6.1f ERMUSR 09-13-2022______________________________________________________________________________
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UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING
TO:
ERMU Commission
FROM:
Tony Mauren – Executive Administrative Manager
MEETING DATE:
September 13, 2022
AGENDA ITEM NUMBER:
6.1f
SUBJECT:
Staff Update
ACTION REQUESTED:
None
DISCUSSION:
• Inserts for the September billings include a notice of the Cold Weather Rule updates and
a promotional flyer for automatic bill payment. Attached are copies of the bill inserts
• Social media posts for the month include links to the billing insert topics, energy saving
tips for renters, water conservation rebates, steps to sign up for ERMU’s conservation
newsletter, SmartHub services, and more. Notices will include an office closure and a
garbage delay for Labor Day as well as one for the September commission meeting.
• This month’s featured social media post lets our followers know about our annual
National Drive Electric Week event at the Elk River Farmers Market on September 29.
ERMU will be hosting one of the dozens of nationwide events that week which brings
together enthusiastic electric vehicle owners and those looking to learn more. If any
commissioners would like to attend and be in our booth please let staff know!
• Staff has worked with the customer service manager to generate addresses for the
second round of Customer Satisfaction Surveys going out in September with a report
expected back to the Commission this fall. In addition to completing the outreach to
sections on the west side of Lake Orono, the area surrounding Trott Brook Farms Park,
Otsego, and Dayton from round one, we have incorporated homes closer to Joplin
Street in the southwest region and the neighborhood surrounding Twin Lakes
Elementary.
ATTACHMENTS:
• Bill Insert – Cold Weather Rule Updates
• Bill Insert – Automatic Bill Payment
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A customer enters into and makes timely payments under a mutually agreed upon payment
agreement that considers the financial resources of the household.** (See back for details)
The household income of the customer is at or below 50 percent of the state median household
income.* (See back for details).
COLD WEATHER RULE UPDATES The Minnesota Cold Weather Rule (CWR) was recently expanded and will
now be in effect from October 1st - April 30th. The CWR states that during
that time a utility may not disconnect Service and must reconnect the utility
service of a residential customer if the disconnection affects the primary heat
source for the residential unit and all of the following conditions are met:
NOTICE: Customers applying for the Cold Weather Rule must complete the Inability to Pay form
available at www.ERMUMN.com.
SOME CUSTOMERS MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR financial AID with ENERGY ASSISTANCE.
To find out if you qualify, SEE the BACK FOR AGENCIES IN YOUR COUNTY.
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SHERBURNE COUNTY HENNEPIN COUNTY WRIGHT COUNTY
SALVATION ARMY HEATSHARE
1.800.842.7279
TRI-CAP COMMUNITY ACTION PARTNERSHIP WRIGHT COUNTY COMMUNITY ACTION
888.765.5597 952.933.9639 320.963.6500
SHERBURNE COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES HENNEPIN COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES WRIGHT COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES
763.765.4000 612.596.1300 763.682.7414
CAER FOOD SHELF
763.441.1020
If you wish to have a third party notified of potential disconnection, please contact our office to provide that information.
RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
*The utility may verify income on forms it
provides or obtain verification of income
from the local energy assistance provider.
A customer is deemed to meet the income
requirements of this clause if the customer
receives any form of public assistance,
including energy assistance that uses an
income eligibility at or below 50 percent of
the state median household income.
** Payments must be made according to the
arrangement. If the arrangement cannot be
met, please contact ERMU’s office to discuss
a different arrangement. If you do not meet
these responsibilities, utility service may
be disconnected. If you wish to dispute the
disconnection, you have a right to contact
our office and appeal. All appeals will be
handled locally.
Find more details on energy assistance and an Inability
to Pay Application at www.ERMUMN.com. Make payment
arrangements by contacting ERMU’s office at 763.441.2020.
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BANK DRAFT AUTHORIZATION FORM
Name Account Number
Service Address
Phone Number
City State Zip
Email Address
I authorize Elk River Municipal Utilities (ERMU) to draft the full amount of my monthly utility bill from the financial institution listed below
on the due date of each month (or on the first business day thereafter). I understand that ERMU reserves the right to discontinue my
Automatic Bill Payment enrollment in the event a payment is returned. PLEASE BE SURE TO ATTACH A VOIDED CHECK.
Financial Institution Routing Number Bank Account Number
Account Holder’s Signature Date
You can forget worrying about due dates or late fees when
you sign up for Automatic Bill Payment. With this service,
regular payments will be debited from your bank account
on the due date of each month, ensuring your bill will
always be paid on time.
Automatic Bill Payment is designed to give you:
More time. You’ll receive an itemized bill every month but
won’t need to take time to schedule the payment.
More money. You’ll no longer have the cost (or hassle) of
purchasing stamps.
More peace of mind. Rest assured, your bill will be taken
care of on its due date.
Providing our customers
more time, more money, and
more peace of mind.
ERMUMN.COM | 763.441.2020 | 13069 ORONO PARKWAY | PO BOX 430 | ELK RIVER, MN 55330-0430
To enroll:
Complete the Bank Draft Authorization Form below.
Attach a voided check.
Return the form and voided check to our office.
AUTOMATIC BILL PAYMENT
Sign up and receive
a $5.00 bill credit!
The one-time bill credit is for new signups only.
Recurring payment setup through ERMU’s online
bill payment system does not qualify.
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