The City of Redwood Falls owns and operates its own electrical power company.
Organized in 1946, the Redwood Falls Public Utilities Commission provides reliable and economical electrical service to residential and commercial customers in Redwood Falls. The Utility is in charge of meter reading, billing and collection, electrical transmission/distribution line operations, and power plant operations.
The Utility operates the distribution system but only produces a very small amount of electricity via a hydro power plant located on the Redwood River. The hydro plant is used primarily for back-up power supply, providing "peak" performance and load balance demand. Most wholesale power is purchased by the Utility from two sources; the Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (SMMPA) and the Western Area Power Agency (WAPA). SMMPA is a consortium of 18 southern Minnesota cities who have municipal electrical services. SMMPA is a 40 percent owner of the Sherco 3 coal power plant located in Becker, Minnesota, which is the primary source of SMMPA wholesale power. Wholesale electricity purchased from WAPA is produced from the hydropower plants in the western states.
After Hour Emergencies
Public Utilities Superintendent
Jason Halvorson
507-616-7490
ENERGY SAVING TIPS
- Set your thermostat between 66-68 degrees during the heating season.
- Install a programmable thermostat. Set the temperature back 10 degrees for eight hours every night during the winter months, and lower your heating bills by 10%.
- Replace or clean your furnace filters monthly.
- Check the duct work for dirt streaks, especially seams. These indicate air leaks that should be sealed.
- Caulk and weather strip any cracks around doors and windows.
- Insulate any ducts or pipes that travel through unheated spaces.
- Remove or cover window air conditioners during the winter.
- Lower the setting of your hot water heater to 120 degrees F.
- Open shades during winter days for passive solar heat and close them at night.
