Electric Utility

The Electric Utility is municipally owned and operated as an enterprise fund.  The Electric Utility currently services approximately 4,100 residential, commercial & industrial customers.  Purchasing power from North States Power Company, the City of Waseca started the Electric fund in 1902.  In 1985, the City switched from NSP to Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (SMMPA) and presently has a wholesale power purchase contract with SMMPA until April 1, 2050.

This utility is responsible for planning, operations, and maintenance of all infrastructure, including substation, underground system, overhead system, emergency community sirens, and street lighting.  The Electric Utility is also a Class A State of Minnesota licensed electrical contractor for installation of customer electric services.

The entire operation of the utility is funded from fees collected for the services.  This fund reflects all utility departmental activity, including meter reading, customer billing, administrative operations, and debt service activities.  The Electric Utility annually transfers a Franchise Fee to the General Fund.

Meter Reading / Customer Billing / Administration

Costs for these activities are shared between water, sanitary sewer and electric on a 33%, 33%, 34% allocation respectively.

Personnel Levels

  • Administration:
    • Director of Utilities & Public Works (34% allocation)
  • Billing & Administrative Support:
    • Utilities Office Technicians (2) (34% allocation)
    • Utilities Office Manager (34% allocation)
  • Operations:
    • 1 Fore Person
    • 3 Linepersons

Staff Contacts

Name Title Phone
Carl Sonnenberg City Manager - Utilities & Public Works Director (507) 835-9713
Matt Roessler Electric Foreman (507) 833-9283