Princeton Public Utilities

08/27/2026

Here are a few tips for everyone getting ready to go back to school. We wish everyone a fantastic year!

08/26/2026

Our Public Utilities Commission meeting is today at 1pm at the Mille Lacs County Historical Society Depot Museum. A video of the proceeding will be posted our YouTube Channel by the end of the next business day.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxIilfM8UADyAGDop96VGDg.

08/25/2026

WHO RUNS YOUR LOCAL UTILITY? YOU DO!
Local utility. Local decisions. Local accountability.

Princeton Public Utilities is community-owned and locally governed, which means decisions about electric and water service are made right here in Princeton, with our residents and businesses top of mind.

The Utilities Commission meets monthly, meetings are open to the public — meaning anyone can attend without the need for advanced approval or permission — and each meeting includes an opportunity for public comment. Recordings are also available online via our website so you can stay informed on your schedule.

Local ownership means local decisions, open government, and investment back into our community.

08/20/2026

Throwback Thursday! 6 years ago Princeton Public Utilities hung banners throughout Princeton to honor the graduating class of 2020.

08/18/2026

ISD 477 recently received nearly $25,000 from Princeton Public Utilities for energy efficiency building improvements made during the past year. By partnering with the utility to take advantage of energy efficiency rebate programs, Princeton Public Schools upgraded air conditioning, lighting, motors, and VFDs throughout its four school buildings. Those improvements reduced the school district’s overall electric consumption and ultimately resulted in lower electric bills, which is a win-win for everyone!

Princeton Public Utilities offers rebate programs to help its residential and business customers use energy wisely and lower their electric bills. In each of the last two years, the utility has paid more than $100,000 in rebates to help customers purchase energy-saving products.

Pictured (left to right) are Princeton Public Utilities General Manager Keith Butcher, ISD 477 Building & Grounds Director Jason Oldenkamp, ISD 477 Superintendent Pat Devine, SMMPA Energy Services Representative Brian Hammarsten and Princeton Public Utilities Commission Chair Nick Nowak.

08/11/2026

Celebrating Years of Community Involvement

Princeton Public Utilities: Proud to serve, support, and grow with our community

Over the years, Princeton Public Utilities has been proud to do more than provide reliable utility service. We have been honored to be part of the moments, traditions, and partnerships that help make Princeton such a special place to live, work, and raise a family.

From helping decorate the town for the holidays, to supporting local students through scholarship opportunities, to presenting to community groups and welcoming visitors for tours of our facilities, our team has always believed that public power is about people. It is about showing up, lending a hand, sharing what we know, and investing in the future of the community we serve.

These efforts have taken many forms through the years: celebrating Public Power Week, participating in community projects, encouraging energy efficiency, helping pollinator-friendly spaces grow, joining public safety events, and creating opportunities for students to learn about careers connected to utilities. Each activity reflects the same commitment: being a dependable neighbor and an active partner in Princeton’s success.

We are especially proud of the opportunities we have had to connect with students, families, service groups, civic organizations, and local leaders. Whether we are presenting information, answering questions, hosting a tour, or simply helping bring a little extra holiday cheer to town, these experiences remind us why local service matters.

As you look through this slideshow of photos from past to present, we hope you see more than events and activities. We hope you see a story of teamwork, pride, service, and community spirit.

Thank you, Princeton, for allowing us to be part of your story. We look forward to continuing to serve, support, and celebrate this community for years to come

08/08/2026

I just heard from the line crew and everyone should be back on. The outage was due to a squirrel. If you are still experiencing a problem, please call our emergency number at 612-390-4361.

08/08/2026

We are aware of an outage. Crews are on site and investigating the cause.

08/06/2026

We have received questions from customers regarding the City of Princeton’s proposed Stormwater Management Fee letter that was mailed last week. This is a new fee that is currently under consideration by the City and may impact future utility bills.

If approved, the fee would be established by the City and would be separate from the electric and water charges set by Princeton Public Utilities. Because the fee could appear on the same monthly bill, we want to be clear about where the charge would originate and why it is being considered.

The City states that the proposed Stormwater Management Fee is intended to support the stormwater system, including infrastructure, maintenance, and related regulatory requirements. Questions about the purpose, amount, or implementation of the fee are best directed to the City of Princeton and the City Council, as decisions regarding the fee are made through the City’s process.

For residents who would like more background, we are sharing the May 6 City Council memo, which outlines the proposed fee amounts (please note: according to the letter the proposed fees seem to have changed since this memo), implementation schedule, and additional details considered by the Council. To our knowledge, this is the most recent information provided at a public City Council meeting.

We understand that any increase on a monthly bill can raise concerns, especially when affordability matters to every household and business. Princeton Public Utilities remains committed to transparency, reliable service, and responsible utility rates. At the same time, it is important to distinguish City-established fees from utility rates so customers know where to direct questions and feedback.

Thank you for taking the time to stay informed and engaged.

07/31/2026