As of May 27, 2021, the RPU Board adopted an updated Billing, Credit, and Collections Policy. The policy includes information on: Billing, Late Payment Fees, Payment Options, Deposits, Delinquent Accounts and Disconnection of Service, Cold Weather Rule, Deceased Customer, Disputes and Appeals, and Meter Tampering.
Monthly bills are issued for the following utility services; electric, water, and/or any billings on behalf of the City or other City Departments. All utility charges for the services RPU provides are calculated in accordance with the Rate Schedule approved by the RPU Board of Directors and Rochester City Council. All billing statements are due and payable on or before the due date. For more detailed information, read the complete policy here.
All billing statements are due and payable on or before the Due Date. Bills not paid by the Due Date are subject to a late payment fee equal to .65% of the average outstanding balance for the current billing period or $5, whichever is greater. The late fee will be added to the Customers outstanding account balance. If the average outstanding balance amount is $20 or less, a late payment fee will not be added. In the event of a billing error, late payment fees will be removed from the account as determined by RPU staff.
RPU offers convenient options ways to receive and pay your monthly utility bill. Choose from paperless bill, autopay, and elect to receive monthly billing notifications. To learn more, view our RPU Connect Billing Options brochure. To sign up for any of these options, register your account on RPU Connect or mail us a completed form.
All residential and commercial customers are required to pay a deposit when initiating new electric and/or water service(s) accounts. The deposit requirement for customers will only be waived, if:
The deposit will be calculated using the two highest month’s bills from the previous 12 months at the service address and will be due before the service connection date. Deposits, along with interest will be applied as a credit to the customer’s account at the end of 24 or 36 months, respectively residential and commercial, if an acceptable credit history has been established. The deposit and interest will be applied to final bills. Remaining credits will be refunded within 45 days after the termination of service. For more detailed information, read the complete policy here.
Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) provides essential electricity water and natural gas services to residents and businesses in Rochester, MN. As a customer, you receive monthly bills for your RPU utility services that must be paid on time to avoid late fees or service disruptions.
Thankfully RPU offers a fast and easy online bill payment option through their website. In this comprehensive guide we’ll explain the benefits of paying online, walk through the payment process step-by-step, and answer common questions about RPU online bill pay.
Why Pay Your RPU Bill Online
There are many advantages to paying your RPU utility bill online rather than mailing in a check:
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It’s convenient – Pay anytime, anywhere in just minutes with an internet connection.
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It’s fast – Payments post instantly to your account. No waiting for checks in the mail.
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It’s secure – RPU uses encryption and security measures to protect your information.
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It’s eco-friendly – Save paper and avoid driving to a payment drop-off.
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It’s automated – Set up recurring payments to avoid late fees.
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It’s savings-friendly – Pay only what you owe for the month to better manage your utility budget.
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It’s personalized – Store payment methods and view billing history.
Online payments give you more control and visibility into your RPU account. It’s the easiest way for most customers to pay their utility bill each month.
How to Set Up an RPU Online Account
To get started with online bill pay, you first need to set up an online account with RPU:
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Go to RPU’s website and click on “Pay Bill” at the top.
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Select “Pay Bill” again on the next page.
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Click “Register” under the login fields.
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Enter your RPU account number, account holder name, and email address.
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Create a username and password. Agree to the terms.
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Provide your contact information and verify your email.
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Your online account is now active! You can log in to make a payment.
The one-time setup process only takes a few minutes. You’ll then be able to log in anytime to pay your bill, manage autopay, review payment history, update account information, and more.
How to Pay Your RPU Bill Online
Here are step-by-step instructions for making a one-time RPU bill payment:
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Log into your RPU online account.
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Select “Pay Bill” from the menu.
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Choose the account you want to pay from the drop-down.
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Enter the payment amount, or select the option to pay the total balance due.
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Enter your debit card or bank account information if paying for the first time.
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Review the payment details carefully before submitting.
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You’ll receive an on-screen and email payment confirmation shortly after.
The process is quick and simple. Your RPU electricity, water, and gas accounts can all be paid seamlessly in the same online portal.
Payment Options for RPU Online Bill Pay
RPU offers multiple secure payment options for online bill payment:
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Debit/credit card – Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover
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eCheck – Free ACH withdrawals from checking/savings
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Autopay – Set up recurring automatic payments
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CashPay – Make payments at retail locations
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Budget Billing – Pay an equal monthly amount year-round
There are no fees for eCheck ACH or CashPay in-person payments. Card payments incur a small convenience fee.
Other Ways to Pay Your RPU Bill
If you prefer not to pay online, RPU also accepts:
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Mail: Send check or money order to 4000 E River Rd NE, Rochester, MN 55906
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Phone: Call (507) 280-1500 to pay by credit/debit card
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In person: Visit the RPU office to pay by cash, check, or money order
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Drop box: Use the drive-up drop box at the RPU office after hours
However, online payments are the easiest and most widely-used option for most RPU customers each month.
Tips for Avoiding Online Payment Issues
Follow these tips when paying your RPU bill online for a smooth, problem-free experience:
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Log in early to check your balance due before the due date.
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Pay a few days before the due date to account for processing time.
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Schedule recurring autopay payments for predictability.
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Save payment info to avoid re-entering details each time.
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Contact RPU immediately if your payment doesn’t process properly.
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Update expired debit/credit cards if you have autopay set up.
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Save payment confirmations and check your account for reflected balances.
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Use strong passwords and keep your login information secure.
With some planning and vigilance, you can avoid most headaches with RPU’s user-friendly online bill pay system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about paying your RPU bill online:
Is there a fee to pay online?
Yes, a convenience fee applies to debit/credit card payments. eCheck ACH payments are free.
When will my online payment be applied to my account?
Payments are typically applied to your RPU account within an hour if submitted before 3 PM.
Can I set up autopay or recurring payments?
Yes, RPU allows you to schedule automated recurring payments within your online account.
What if I forgot my RPU online account password?
Use the “Forgot Password” link on the login page and you’ll be emailed a reset link.
What details can I see in my RPU online account?
You can view current and past bills, make payments, see payment history, change account info, sign up for alerts, and more.
Paying your RPU bill online saves time and gives you greater visibility into your utility usage and payments. Follow this guide to securely manage your account and pay your bill in just minutes each month!
Delinquent Accounts and Disconnection of Service
Unpaid accounts shall be considered past due on the first calendar day following the due date. When all administrative efforts at collecting a past due account have been exhausted, alternative collection methods may be used. RPU shall attempt to collect delinquent accounts promptly. Where satisfactory arrangements for payment have not been made, and after notification requirements have been complied with, utility services will be disconnected. If an existing customer has been disconnected for nonpayment of service, a new or additional deposit will be required for services to be reconnected, along with a reconnection fee.
Where it is necessary that the utility service be temporarily disconnected or connected to protect health, life or property, RPU will, at its discretion, take such action without charge or notice to the customer.
From October 1 to April 30, RPU acknowledges and complies with the State of Minnesota Cold Weather Rule for Municipal Utilities under Minnesota Statutes, Section 216B.097. Click here to view and download the fillable Cold Weather Protection Application.
Energy Assistance Program Three Rivers Community Action 800-277-8418 www.threeriverscap.org
Emergency Assistance Olmsted County Family Support & Assistance 507-328-6500
Energy Conservation and Programs Rochester Public Utilities www.rpu.org 507-280-1500
Home Energy Guide Minnesota Department of Commerce https://mn.gov/commerce/home-energy/
Weatherization Assistance Program Minnesota Department of Commerce https://mn.gov/commerce/consumers/consumer-assistance/weatherization/
