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HISTORY DAY 2025ERACC LEADERSHIP <br />ERMUMN.COM | 763.441.2020 | 13069 ORONO PARKWAY | PO BOX 430 | ELK RIVER, MN 55330-0430 <br />Elk River Municipal Utilities: Our History <br />ERMU has seen tremendous growth <br />throughout the past century and into the <br />next. Much has changed since our rich <br />history began with a businessman who <br />was determined to bring power to the <br />Village of Elk River. <br />In June of 1915, businessman and <br />real estate developer Fred Waterman <br />incorporated the Elk River Power and <br />Light Company, now known as Elk River <br />Municipal Utilities. Construction began <br />on the hydroelectric power plant, which <br />included a 200-horsepower turbine engine housed in a 30-foot by 30-foot structure located <br />next to the dam on Orono Lake. Elk River residents were eager to enter the world of modern <br />conveniences that electric appliances could provide: incandescent lamps, flat irons, electric <br />fans, vacuum cleaners, and much more. In 1920 the municipal water system was created, and <br />the first water tower was constructed as a means to protect the city after several fires scorched <br />the downtown area. This was just the beginning of providing quality long-term electric and water <br />utility service to our beloved community. <br />Today, ERMU serves more than 13,800 electric customers in Elk River and the surrounding area. <br />With 646 miles of electric lines, annual energy sales reach nearly 317 million kilowatt hours. <br />ERMU’s water system supplies water to approximately 5,800 customers, with 127 miles of water <br />mains and annual water sales exceeding 775 million gallons. <br />ERMU has played a large role in shaping the community of Elk River and <br />surrounding areas and continues to grow. <br />Scan the QR code to read A History of Elk River Municipal Utilities, published in 2015 <br />in celebration of our 100 years of service, to learn more. <br />OUR <br />MISSION <br />OUR <br />VISION <br />To provide our customers <br />with safe, reliable, cost- <br />effective, and quality <br />long-term electric and <br />water utility services. <br />To communicate and <br />educate our customers <br />in the use of utility <br />services, programs, <br />policies, and future plans. <br />These products and <br />services will be provided <br />in an environmentally <br />and financially <br />responsible manner. <br />Provide exceptional <br />services and value to <br />those we serve. <br />INTEGRITY <br />QUALITY <br />COMMUNICATION <br />SAFETY <br />COMPETITIVE <br />OUR <br />VALUES <br />126