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reach customers who may qualify for the programs. The one -page factsheet provided a quick snapshot of available programs, eligibility requirements, how to apply and other valuable information. Following the direct mailer send, the City of Elk River received 17 inquiries (with four households participating in the HRA program) in 2023. "We had a great response with the Home Improvement Resources direct mailer," Foss says. "To date, this is the City's most successful initiative for increasing awareness of the HRA loan program while simultaneously bringing attention to assistance available through Tri-CAP." Educating customers on public power One of the biggest challenges for municipal utilities is explaining what they do, how they operate and the value they provide to customers. For RPU, educating customers about their various programs, services and sustainability initiatives is a priority. For example, the utility runs entertaining commercials called Tips From Tony on the local TV station. RPU Communications Coordinator Tony Benson educates customers on utility programs and timely seasonal topics. "We're public power — we are owned by the people of Rochester," Hanson says. "Engaging with our customers and educating them on what we can offer as a public power utility goes a long way to help us achieve our energy efficiency and sustainability goals." Municipal utilities may be smaller in size, but they have a tremendous impact on their communities. With their hyper -local focus, engaging with customers is a balance of education, community collaborations and impactful utility touchpoints.