6.1d ERMUSR 03-11-2025UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING
TO: FROM:
ERMU Commission Tony Mauren – Governance & Communications Manager
MEETING DATE: AGENDA ITEM NUMBER:
March 11, 2025 6.1d
SUBJECT:
Staff Update
ACTION REQUESTED:
None
DISCUSSION:
The bill inserts for March 2025 include the attached spring 2025 edition of The Current
newsletter sent to all customers and an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project
notice sent to residential customers. The reminderencourages those who still need to
schedule a water meter replacement to do so and lets all customers know that electric
meter replacements are continuing. Also attached is a running list of the
communications that have been disseminated as part of the AMI project.
In addition to the bill insert topic, social media posts this month feature the commission
meeting notice, the benefits of SmartHub, HVAC rebate opportunities, information
about ERMU crews participating in American Public Power Association’s Lineworkers
Rodeo, and more.
This month members of the State Records Retention Task Force chose research topics to
pursue and bring results back to the group for updates to the General Records Retention
Schedule for Minnesota Cities. I will be researching potential updates to public safety
records retention and assessing specific state statutes’ impact on the schedule.
I will be attending the Minnesota Clerks & Finance Officers Association annual
conference, March 19-21 in Brooklyn Center.
Staff is asking commissioners to please keep an eye on their email as they plan to send
the link for the general manager performance evaluation the day after this meeting.
Thank you for completing this (recently shortened) survey by the end of the month so
we can move on to commissioner performance evaluation which will be sent as a link on
April 1. Staff appreciates your timely response to these surveys as it makes it possible to
carefully compile and present the data.
ATTACHMENTS:
Bill Insert – The Current – Spring 2025
Bill Insert – AMI Water Meter Exchange Appointment Reminder
AMI Communications Timeline 2023-2025
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Page 1 of 1
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SPRING 2025
THE CURRENT
Electric Rates Held for Second Consecutive Year
Elk River Municipal Utilities (ERMU) is excited to announce that the
utilities commission approved a zero percent increase in electric
rates for 2025. Maintaining electric rates for the second consecutive
electricity to its customers.
“As a publicly owned utility, ERMU is committed to supporting the
well-being of the community,” said General Manager Mark Hanson.
“Holding electric rates would not have been possible without the
dedication of our commission members, the hard work of our
DISCOVER SAVINGS
WITH ERMU
wholesale power supplier. Collectively, these groups understand that every dollar that stays
Saving money, decreasing
with our customers strengthens the homes and business we serve.”
energy usage, and conserving
Elk River Municipal Utilities also continues to invest in infrastructure improvements,
resources has never been
easier with programs and
exploring innovative solutions, ERMU upholds its mission to deliver high-quality services while
rebates from ERMU. Take a
closer look at the many ways
residential and commercial
customers can save.
increase of 1 percent for tier one, 2 percent for tier two, and 3 percent for tier three usage to
encourage conservation and to cover operating expenses needed to maintain the high-quality
RESIDENTIAL
water services customers depend on.
Appliance and Home
Electric Vehicle Charger
Water and Electric Meter Replacements Continue
Heat Pumps
Water and electric meters continue to be replaced throughout
HVAC Equipment
Lighting and Lighting Controls
Services, our Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) installation
COMMERCIAL
contractor. Residential water customers must schedule their
Lighting
water meter replacement by April 1 to avoid additional service
HVAC
fees, which start at $50 per month. Electric meter changeouts
VFD and ASD Drives
do not require an appointment, as the meters are located outside the property. Prior to electric
Other Equipment
meter installation, technicians will knock on the door. If there is no answer, work will proceed as
Custom Grants
long as the meter is accessible and technicians will leave a door hanger indicating service was
Click the “Programs & Rebates”
either completed or if additional steps are needed. Visit ERMUMN.COMfor project details.
tab at ERMUMN.COMto learn
more or simply scan the QR
ELECTRIC WATER
code below.
2024
DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT
ERMU
Energy Sales 316,756,062 kWh Water Sales 775,275,000 gallons
STATISTICS
Peak Demand 71 MW Peak Day Usage 4,928,000 gallons
Electric Meters 13,466 Customers 5,708
Miles of Electric Lines 646 Miles of Water Main 127
(
)
84.2 percent is underground
ERMUMN.COM | 763.441.2020 | 13069 ORONO PARKWAY | PO BOX 430 | ELK RIVER, MN 55330-0430
141
SPRING 2025
THE CURRENT
ERMU Honored by National Weather Service
For over 75 years, ERMU has
partnered with the National
Weather Service (NWS) through
the Cooperative Observer Program
Weather Station, helping track the Elk
DRINKING WATER
weather observation was recorded
WEEK MAY 4-10
1, 1949, and
the collaboration continues today.
ERMU and utilities across the
On January 29, NWS meteorologists
nation are partnering with
the American Water Works
Association to celebrate
recognizing this long-standing partnership and its vital contribution to local climate data.
“Drinking Water Week” from
May 4-10. This week is an
Lineworker Appreciation Day
important time to recognize
Friday, April 18, 2025, marks National Lineworker
and appreciate what it takes
to ensure that high-quality
Appreciation Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the
drinking water is always there
brave and hardworking men and women who keep our
when you need it. Follow us on
communities powered and connected. Through day
social media to learn more.
or night, and in all types of weather, lineworkers work
tirelessly to ensure electricity reaches our homes, schools,
and businesses. Their courage and dedication often go
unnoticed, but their contributions are truly invaluable.
Residential Solar Installation: What to Know
Residential Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Installation is an
investment homeowners should thoughtfully consider
SPRING PROJECTS?
CALL BEFORE YOU DIG
home installation, make an informed decision with
important residential solar tips available on our website.
a large home improvement,
every digging project should Simply go to the Featured News section at ERMUMN.COM
begin with a call to 811, the
and learn what to know before you buy. At ERMU, we are
national call-before-you-dig
here to help our customers make informed decisions.
phone number.
Please contact us if you have any questions.
Every six minutes, an
underground utility line is
Connect and Save with SmartHub
damaged because someone
With near real-time data provided by the new smart meters currently
calling 811. The risk of injury
or even death is serious, as
access to detailed graphs that allow you to monitor your utility
are the costs for repairs or
usage 24/7 and look for ways to conserve and save.
You can also pay your bill, set up automatic payments, and contact
in a fence, planting a tree, or
building a deck, locating your
ERMU with service issues quickly and easily online or on your mobile device.
lines before you dig can really
save you!
SmartHub by visiting ERMUMN.COM and search “Manage Your Account” or
scan the QR code to download the mobile app.
|
WE WELCOME YOUR QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS: ERMUMN.COM 763.441.2020
142
AMI Communication Timeline
Introduction to AMI (November 2023 – December 2023)
November 2023
AMI Project FAQ Page: A dedicated FAQ page for the AMI project was launched on ERMU's
websitewith continuous updates provided throughout the project.
Customer Notification: All customers received a 1/3 sheet insert introducing AMI with their
November billing statement.
Newsletter and Social Media:
o Introductory AMI information was shared in ERMU’s monthly e-newsletter, The
Connector.
o A social media post on November 1 introduced AMI to customers via LinkedIn,
Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
December 2023
The Current Newsletter: Introductory AMI information was included in the winter edition of The
Current,distributed with customers' December billing statements.
Social Media Post: A follow-up post on December 4 directed customers to The Current for more
details.
vember 2024)
AMI Installation Updates (March 2024 – No
March 2024
The Current Newsletter: An AMI installation update was included in the spring edition of The
Current and distributed with customers’ March billing statements.
Social Media Post: A March 4 post directed customers to The Current for more information.
May 2024
Appointment Letters: Water meter installation appointment letters were mailed to customers in
stages beginning May 3.
145
The Current Newsletter: Information about SmartHub and how it enhances account
management was included in the summer edition of The Current.
Social Media Post: A May 3 AMI installation update was providedvia Facebook, Instagram, and
Twitter.
July 2024
Appointment Letters: A second round of water meter installation appointment letters was
mailed on July 3.
September – October 2024
Appointment Letters: Water meter installation appointment letters continued to be mailed to
customers in stages.
November 2024
Customer Reminder: All customers received a 1/3 sheet insert reminding them about the AMI
project and providing electric meter installation information, included with their November
billing statements.
Social Media Post: A November 13 post provided an AMI installation update via Facebook,
Instagram, and Twitter.
nd Electric Notifications (December 2024 – February 2025)
Final Push for Water Appointmentsa
December 2024
The Current Newsletter: An article about the benefits of AMI meters was featured in the winter
edition of The Current.
o Note: Customers in billing cycle 1 received the insert in their January 2025 billing due to
a distribution issue.
Social Media Post: A December 2 post highlighted the winter edition of The Current on LinkedIn,
Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
January 2025
Call Campaign: A call campaign targeted approximately 800 residential customers who had not
yet scheduled their water meter installation appointments:
o 300 calls were made on January 27, with the remainder placed on January 28.
Social Media Posts:
o January 22: A reminder post about residential electric meter installations (Facebook
only).
o January 31: A post featuring Allegiant staff alongside an Allegiant co-branded truck
(Facebook only).
146
February 2025
Direct Mail Postcard: A postcard was sent on February 11 to all remaining residential water
customers who had not scheduled their meter replacement appointments.
Call Campaigns:
o February 2: Calls notified cycle 2 customers that Allegiant would be in their area for
electric meter replacements.
o February 9: Calls notified cycle 3 customers of upcoming electric meter replacements.
o February 27: There were 275 calls made reminding customers that water appointments
must be scheduled by April 1 to avoid additional service fees, starting at $50 per month.
March 2025
Customer Reminder: All customers received a 1/3 sheet insert reminding them about the AMI
water meter appointment scheduling deadlineand providing electric meter installation
information, included with their Marchbilling statements.
147