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Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) - Thousands of Rochester Public Utility water customers will find a new charge on the first bill of the new year.

RPU has automatically enrolled many of its residential customers into its Service Assured Water Service Repair Coverage Program.

It will show up on the next bill at a cost of $1.99 per month.

 

The program has been around for years. RPU also offers a similar program for its electrical customers.RPU says the water program “protects homeowners from costly water service repairs in the event that the service has a failure due to old age, improper installation, corrosion, freezing, or valve failure.”

RPU says "With this new expanded program, RPU will be able to quickly address costly water service repairs with no hassle or worry to customers."

We submitted the following questions to RPU communications coordinator Tony Benson:

How many water customers are there?
· 40,869 water customers

How many customers are currently enrolled in the program?
11,356 water customers are signed up as of November 2021

How many customers have used the program to cover repair costs and what is the average cost?
We average 120 repairs under the program each year
Costs for repairs can be a couple hundred dollars to thousands, depending on the repairs and time needed

How can customers opt out?

RPU
RPU
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Any customers wishing to not receive the Service Assured® Water protection may opt out of the program by calling RPU Customer Care at 507-280-1500 or by checking here.  Here's the link to an online form.

However, those customers choosing to opt-out will not be allowed back on the program for 12 months, even if a costly repair is needed. Any repair will be at the customer’s expense if you are not enrolled in the program.

Read more about the program here.

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