Public Utility Board

Mission Statement

Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) is a municipally-owned utility which provides electric and water service to the greater Rochester Area. RPU serves approximately 50,800 electric and 38,330 water customers in an area of 47 square miles. The Public Utility Board’s mission is to perpetuate municipal ownership of the utility systems which it is authorized to manage, control and operate.

The Board manages assets of approximately $357 million and provides overall policy direction for the operation of the combined utilities. The Board’s principal role is to provide policy direction to the RPU management and staff. The Board recognizes the Common Council as the elected body of the City of Rochester to whom the Board is accountable for the performance of the City utility systems which it controls.

Organizational Structure

A five member Board governs RPU. Four members are appointed by the Mayor of Rochester and ratified by the Common Council. They serve four-year terms, and no more than two consecutive terms. The fifth member is appointed by the Council President from the Council for a two-year term.

Meetings are held on the last Tuesday of each month at 4:00 p.m.

Member Responsibilities

• Determining fundamental philosophy, mission, objectives, and policies for meeting the current and future water and energy needs of the community.
• Appointing a General Manager who is responsible for management of the organization.
• Maintaining direction over the performance of management, and through management, the performance of employees.
• Controlling finances of the utility by approving the annual budget(s), and authorizing subsequent changes, and approving major expenditures.
• Approving or modifying rates charged by the utility, subject to review by the City Council.
• Reviewing, modifying and approving operating programs and activities planned and recommended by management.
• Serving as an appeals body for persons or organizations that desire to be heard on matters under consideration by the board, or on questions arising from utility policies, operations, or other phases of the utility’s work.
• As a policymaker, provide a liaison between the utility and other governmental bodies and the public.

Appointment Requirements

Must be a resident of Rochester.

For Further Information Contact

The Mayor’s Office