6.1d1 ERMUSR 02-13-20242023
HOMETOWN SERVICE
As I complete my first full year as ERMU's General Manager, I can't help but feel
incredibly fortunate for the opportunity to work with such dedicated staff in support of
an amazing community. We take an enormous amount of pride in providing reliable,
sustainable, and cost-effective electric and water utilities to our customers. And, as a
community -owned municipal utility, we take great pride in sharing our accomplishments
With you.
2023 Was a big year for ERMU. The Field Services Building project Was completed after
nearly five years, from planning through construction, and we were thrilled to invite all
of you to the open house in August. It was awesome to see hundreds of folks from the
community come out to meet our staff, tour the building, ask questions, learn about our
programs and equipment, and enjoy the various demonstrations.
The new building Wasn't the only big thing to happen in 2023. Also notable for ERMU Were national awards
and recognition received from the American Public Power Association (APPA) and the American Water Works
Association (AWWA). We received the Reliable Public Power Provider platinum designation and the Smart
Energy Provider designation. There are over 2000 public power utilities across the nation, but only 5% hold both
designations. Our communications team earned an Excellence in Communications award from APPA and ERMU's
team was invited to compete at the national level after being the first all -female team to place in the MN AWWA
Hydrant Hysteria competition.
We have a lot to be proud of, but we continue to focus on the future to improve services and value for our
customers. Yes, 2023 was big, 2024 will be even bigger as we usher in the Advanced Metering Infrastructure
(AMI) project which will bring a new era of service - and we are ready!
- Marl? Hanson, P.E., General Manager
Elk River Municipal Utilities (ERMU) is about to begin a new era of service in 2024 with the implementation of the
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). This initiative marks a significant milestone in ERMU's commitment to
technological innovation and improved service delivery. The AMI project will involve the
installation of new electric and water meters throughout its service territory enabling �GED hfep_
near real-time monitoring and communication between utility infrastructure and
consumers. This technology not only enhances the accuracy of meter readings
but also empowers customers with valuable insights into their energy usage
patterns. The AMI project demonstrates ERMU's forward thinking approach to
utility management, efficiency, sustainability, and system responsiveness that
addresses the evolving needs of the community. For information and updates
throughout the AMI project customers are encouraged to visit ERMU's website
at ERMUMN.COM or contact a customer service representative at 763.441.2020
during regular business hours (8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.).
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HOMETOWN PRIDE
ERMU is proud to recognize the achievement of Water
Operations Foreperson Katy and GIS/Mapping Technician
Angela as they placed third in the Minnesota Section of
the American Water Works Association's Hydrant Hysteria
competition in Duluth, MN in September. Katy and Angela,
who go by the team name "ERMU Riveters;' were the first
all -female team to compete in Minnesota.
The competition requires teams of two to assemble a
hydrant with approximately 40 pieces in less than five
minutes, testing their strength, finesse, and speed. Their
best time of the competition was one minute 52 seconds. As a result of their third place finish, the ERMU
Riveters have been invited to participate in the national competition in June 2024.
NATIONAL RECOGNITION AMERICAN
P U �&_ 0ill ..
ERMU's dedicated staff are passionate about providing safe, reliable e,ASP
service and effective communication to the community it serves. In 2023
the outstanding efforts of our team were recognized nationally by the ASSOCIATION
American Public Power Assocation (APPA) through a variety of awards and
designations outlined below, Powering Strang Communities
The Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3) platinum level designation was awarded to ERMU based on
industry -recognized best practices in four important disciplines: reliability, safety, workforce development,
and system improvement. ERMU joined 271 public power utilities nationwide that hold the RP3 designation.
The Certificate of Excellence in Reliability recognizes ERMU for its dependable electric service based on
data collected from over five hundred public power utilities. ERMU was one of only 221 utilities to earn this
distinction in 2023.
The Smart Energy Provider (SEP) designation is awarded to public power utilities for demonstrating leading
practices in four key disciplines: smart energy program structure; energy efficiency and distributed energy
resources programs; environmental and sustainability initiatives; and customer experience. ERMU joins less
than 100 public power utilities in earning the SEP designation.
The Excellence in Public Power Communications award recognized ERMU's exceptionalwork in building a
stronger, more personal connection with its customers through a social media campaign featuring staff in
the field and in the community. Entries were judged by an outside panel of communications experts with
awards announced at the APPA Customer Connections Conference held in San Antonio, TX.
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HOMETOWN CONNECTIONS
As your hometown utility, getting involved in the community we serve is important to us. We look forward to
participating in local events throughout the year so we can meet and interact with our valued customers.
Together we are building a stronger community through these shared experiences.
VFl
Summer Safety Camp
4
Sherburne County Fair Parade
ERMU Field Services Building Open House Day of the Dozers
Downtown Eth River Trick -or -Treat
ISD 728 Job Shadow Program
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13069 Orono Parkway, PO Box 430 1 Elk River, MN 55330 1 763.441.2020 1 www.ERMUMN.com O in f X