Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) provides essential electricity, water, and natural gas services to residents and businesses in Rochester, Minnesota. Paying your RPU bill on time each month is important to avoid service disruptions. Fortunately, RPU offers a convenient online payment option to pay bills digitally in just minutes. This comprehensive guide will explain everything Rochester residents need to know about paying RPU bills online.
Overview of Rochester Public Utilities
RPU is the municipal utility company owned by the City of Rochester, MN serving over 57,000 electric, 32,000 water, and 24,000 natural gas customers. Some key facts about RPU:
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Provides electricity water, and natural gas services in Rochester.
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Operates the Silver Lake and Cascade Creek power plants.
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Maintains nearly 1,000 miles of electric lines.
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Manages over 530 miles of water mains and pipes.
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Governed by a five-member Utility Board appointed by the Rochester City Council.
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Not-for-profit utility focused on reliable service at reasonable rates.
Benefits of Paying Your Bill Online
Paying your monthly RPU bill online provides these advantages:
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Convenience: Pay anytime, anywhere in just minutes on your device
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Efficiency: Payments processed instantly without mailing delays
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Control: Choose one-time or recurring payments
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Record keeping: Payment receipts stored digitally
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Simplicity: Easy to set up without visiting RPU offices
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Savings: Avoid late payment fees by paying on time
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Security: Payment site uses encryption for safety
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Flexibility: Use credit/debit card, bank account, Apple/Google Pay
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Support: Access customer support for payment issues
How to Pay Your RPU Bill Online
Follow these simple steps to pay your RPU bill digitally:
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Visit RPU’s payment portal at https://connectwith.rpu.org
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Click “Pay Bill” and then “One Time Payment”
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Enter your 12-digit account number
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Input your utility service address zip code
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Select payment amount from your current bill
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Choose payment method and submit payment
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Save confirmation number and receipt
Payments made by 7:00pm CT on business days credit to your account same day. It’s fast, easy, and secure!
Payment Methods Accepted
RPU offers multiple payment options on their online payment portal:
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Credit/debit card – Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express
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eCheck – Free payments directly from your bank account
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Apple Pay – For users of supported iPhones/devices
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Google Pay – For saved payment info on Android devices
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Recurring payments – Set up automatic monthly payments
There is a $1.95 processing fee for credit/debit card payments only. eCheck and digital wallet payments do not have a fee.
Tips for Paying Online
Follow these tips for smoothly paying your RPU bill digitally:
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Have your account number and current balance ready
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Double check your service address before submitting
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Sign up for paperless billing to receive bills electronically
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Pay a few days early to ensure on-time payment
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Contact RPU if your payment doesn’t process properly
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Update payment information directly on the online portal
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Enable text/email reminders to avoid late payments
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Review bank statements to confirm payment withdrawals
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to pay online?
Have your 12-digit RPU account number, service address zip code, and current bill handy when you begin the payment process.
When will my online payment be applied to my account?
Payments made directly on the portal by 7:00pm CT on business days will credit to your account same day. Allow 2-3 days for mailed payments.
Is paying online safe and secure?
Yes, RPU’s payment portal utilizes top data encryption and security measures to protect your personal information during the payment process.
What if I have an issue with my online payment?
Contact RPU customer support right away if you have any problems with your online payment. They’ll investigate and resolve any payment errors or disputes.
Can I set up recurring payments?
Yes! RPU allows you to schedule automatic recurring monthly payments from your selected credit card or bank account for ease and convenience.
Pay Your RPU Bill Quickly Online
RPU offers a user-friendly online payment option for Rochester residents to easily pay their utility bills digitally in minutes. By following this guide, you can take advantage of the convenience of paying your electric, water, and natural gas bills on your own schedule and avoid visits or calls to RPU offices. Just remember your account details and current balance, select a payment method, submit your payment on the secure portal, and you’re done!
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/