NEW UTILITY RATES IN EFFECT JANUARY 1, 2010

See the new rate brochure and the articles in the January 2010 Customer Newsletter for more information

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Notice for Virginia Utility Customers

Allowing Access by Utility Employees

All Virginia Utility employees carry a Department Identification Card containing their picture.  Should someone request access to your property, home, or business for a utility-related issue, be safe, and ask to see their identification card. 

If you are still unsure, call our business office at 218-748-7540 to verify that utility service has been scheduled for your address.  The Virginia Utility, in conjunction with the Virginia Police Department, strives to keep our City and its residents safe. 

The Virginia Police Department should be contacted if Virginia citizens see anything suspicious.  911 should be called anytime there is an emergency and/or you need an officer to respond.  The non-emergency Police phone number is 748-7510.

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NOTICE TO CITY OF VIRGINIA WATER CUSTOMERS

The Virginia Department of Public Utilities will begin flushing fire hydrants on or about October 4, 2009.

 This work will continue for approximately 4 – 6 weeks.   Water customers may experience periods of cloudy or discolored water when hydrants are flushed in their area.  We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our customers as we prepare for the coming winter.

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Customer Reminder Regarding Dogs

 The Department of Public Utilities strives to keep its employees safe while they perform their daily tasks.  Customers are reminded that dogs and other pets may sometimes react in an unfriendly manner to a Meter Reader or a member of our Service Crew when they come onto your property.

 Please take the necessary precautions to ensure that your pet is not placed in a situation where it may feel threatened by a Meter Reader or Serviceman when they have to enter your property in order to read or service meters. 

 If you have recently added a dog to your family, you may call our Customer Service Desk at 748-7545 so that the presence of your new dog can be noted on your account and our employees will know to proceed with caution when reading or servicing your meters. 

 The Virginia Department of Public Utilities thanks you for your cooperation in ensuring that our employees and your pet(s) are not placed in an uncomfortable situation.

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Third Party Notification Available for

Virginia Utility Customers

The Virginia Utility offers a service to customers and property owners that may assist in being sure utility bills are paid.  A “Third Party” can be notified if your bills are running late - it may help you!

 If you have been served a notice of proposed disconnection by the Virginia Utility, you may want to alert a third party (friend, relative, church group, or community agency) that a disconnection notice has been issued to you.  The third party will not be responsible for paying your bill but does have the right to contact the Utility and provide information or work out a payment agreement for you. Any payment agreement must be signed by the customer, but the terms of the agreement can be set up for you by your designated third party.

 If you want a third party to be notified of the potential disconnect, please pick up a third party form from our business office - both you and your third party must sign the form before returning it to our office.  A copy of the third party notification form is also available at the Utility’s website - www.vpuc.com.

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Information on Two-Cycle Billing Change Taking Effect in July 2009

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2008 Water Report Now Available

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Sign up NOW for the Equal Payment Plan

The deadline is April 24, 2009 to participate for June 2009 - May 2010

CLICK HERE for Equal Payment Plan Form!

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9/29/08:  MINNESOTA POWER TO RAISE RATES TO MUNICIPAL UTILITIES AGAIN

How does this affect VPU customers?  Read this article.

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2008 Rate Comparison with Other Local Utilities

Click HERE

New Ulm, MN is included because they also have a steam system

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PLEASE NOTE:

The Gas Department will not be accepting applications for new gas service installations for this year after October 15, 2008. 

Applications received after October 15, 2008 will be done after May 15, 2009.

 Effective November 1, 2008 , VPU will no longer be accepting payments at Northern State Bank, Wells Fargo Bank, US Bank or Super One North.  There is a convenient drop box located at the Utility office at 618 2^nd Street South.   

Calendar of Events

Meeting Notices

Virginia Public Utilities Commission

Regular scheduled meetings are held at 4:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday of each month.   

***NOTE:  Effective with May 2008, meetings will be held once a month on the fourth Monday.***

See "Communications" for minutes of past meetings.

Policy Changes

Effective January 1, 2008, additional documentation will be required when applying for Utility service.  A valid driver’s license or photo ID must now be presented at the time of application.  Additionally, documentation showing proof of ownership will be required in order for a customer deposit waiver to be considered.  Please contact our Business Office at 748-7540 with questions or for a copy of the revised policy.  

Check This Out!

Do-It Yourself Energy Audit

Click above to link to a handy publication from Seattle's City Light department

An Online Energy Audit from the US Department of Energy

More information on making your home energy-efficient and saving money

Check out information on our BIOMASS PROJECT