Rochester Public Utilities residential customers paid an average of 17.91¢/kWh in 2024 —
15% above the Minnesota average of 15.64¢/kWh (EIA-861).
It served 54,943 residential customers across 1 MN county.
Territories are fixed by address, but the cheapest nearby utility, Freeborn Mower Electric Cooperative (15.15¢), works out about $298/yr less at 10,800 kWh/yr.
How Rochester Public Utilities compares with the utilities next door
| Utility | 2024 ¢/kWh | Customers | Δ vs Rochester Public Utilities, ¢/kWh | $/yr difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freeborn Mower Electric Cooperative | 15.15 | 17,842 | -2.76 | -$298 |
| MiEnergy Cooperative | 16.56 | 15,224 | -1.35 | -$146 |
| People's Cooperative Services | 16.70 | 21,665 | -1.21 | -$131 |
| Northern States Power Co - Minnesota | 16.98 | 1,230,057 | -0.93 | -$100 |
| Rochester Public Utilities (this page) | 17.91 | 54,943 | — | — |
4 bundled utilities (≥5,000 customers) share at least one county with Rochester Public Utilities. Positive $/yr = that utility's customers pay more than Rochester Public Utilities customers at the same usage. Territories are fixed by address — these gaps measure cost differences between areas, not options you can pick between.
Where Rochester Public Utilities customers pay more (county benchmark)
| County | Cheapest utility in county | Their ¢/kWh | Rochester Public Utilities premium, $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Olmsted | Freeborn Mower Electric Cooperative | 15.15 | +$298 |
Multiple utilities in one county means adjoining territories, not household choice — you cannot switch wires companies.
Rate trend and size
| Metric | 2023 | 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average price, ¢/kWh | 16.87 | 17.91 | +6.2% |
| Residential customers | 53,932 | 54,943 | +1.9% |
Ownership: Municipal. Statewide context: Minnesota electricity rates.
Supply vs delivery on a Rochester Public Utilities bill
Minnesota is a regulated retail market — Rochester Public Utilities customers cannot choose a different supplier; rates are set in utility-commission proceedings. Official information: mn.gov/puc.
Counties served (MN, EIA-861 2024)
Olmsted
Head-to-head comparisons
Questions people ask
- Is Rochester Public Utilities more expensive than other Minnesota utilities?
- Rochester Public Utilities customers paid an average 17.91 cents/kWh in 2024 — 15% above the Minnesota volume-weighted average of 15.64 cents (EIA-861, bundled residential service).
- Can I switch away from Rochester Public Utilities?
- No — distribution territory is fixed by address and Minnesota has no residential supplier shopping. Rate changes go through the state utility commission (mn.gov/puc).
- How many customers does Rochester Public Utilities have?
- 54,943 residential customers in Minnesota in 2024, per its EIA-861 federal filing. Ownership type: municipal.
About these numbers. Rates shown are averages computed from federal regulatory filings (EIA Form 861)
and public tariff databases — confirm with your utility before making decisions; your actual rate depends on your tariff,
usage, and riders. Distribution utility is determined by address and generally cannot be chosen; in retail-choice states
you may choose your supplier for the supply portion of the bill. Savings figures use 10,800 kWh/yr
(US average residential usage) and are estimates, not quotes. EnergySavings is an independent data project by CertiHomes
and is not affiliated with any utility, supplier, or government agency.