The Preston Public Utilities (PPU) operate the electric, water and wastewater systems within the City of Preston.
Public Utility & City Office Staff
- Jim Bakken – Utility General Manager – jbakken@prestonmn.org
- Debra Ebner – Utility Office Manager – debner@prestonmn.org
- Sheila Marzolf – Deputy City Clerk – smarzolf@prestonmn.org
- MariLyn Bakke – City/Utility Secretary – mbakke@prestonmn.org
Public Utilities Commission
- Robert Hanson
- Heath Mensink
- Ron Schroeder
- Charles Sparks – Council Representative
Preston Public Utilities Commission meets 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7am, unless otherwise noted.
To setup or change electric or water service, please call the Public Utilities office at 507-765-2491.
Click here to view the Consumer Confidence Water Report
Garbage
Garbage service is provided through S&S Sanitation. Service may be arranged for by contacting the Public Utilities Office at 507-765-2491
Telephone, Internet, Cable and Natural Gas
These services are not provided through Preston Public Utilities.
- Mediacom Cable – 1-855-224-2253
- MiBroadband – 507-886-6422
- CenturyLink – 1-800-201-4099
- Minnesota Energy Resources – Natural Gas 24-Hour Customer Service 1-800-889-9508
24-Hour Gas Emergency – 1-800-889-4970
Notification to Preston Public Utilities Customers
- Click Here to view Preston Public Utility Rate Increase Information for 2023
- Cogeneration and Small Power Production
- In compliance with Preston Public Utilities adopted rules relating to cogeneration and small power production, the Utility is obligated to interconnect with and purchase electricity from cogenerators and small power producers that satisfy the conditions as a qualifying facility. The Utility is obligated to provide information regarding rates and interconnection requirements free of charge to all interested customers upon request. All interconnections require an application and approval to become a qualifying facility. Any disputes over interconnection, sales, and purchases relative to qualifying facilities should be brought to the Preston Public Utilities Commission for resolution, per the Utility’s Distributed Generation Rules adopted on May 4, 2019. Interested customers may contact the Preston Public Utilities Office at 507-765-2491.
- Click here for the DER Interconnection Process Documents
A Little History
The Preston Public Utilities was originally established to serve the electric needs of the community. The northern-most part of the current power plant dates to 1896. At that time, the community’s electricity was generated by an A.L. Ide & Sons steam engine. The first Fairbanks-Morse diesel generator was purchased in 1935. As electric demand grew, the PPU continued to add generators until a total of six units was reached. These generators supplied the electrical demand of the City until 1962 when the City connected to the outside power grid. Three Fairbanks-Morse generators remain in the power plant and serve as peaking/emergency generation for the City. The power plant’s current capacity of 4 megawatts is adequate to meet the electrical demands of the City.
In the 1981, PPU joined the newly formed Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (SMMPA). This organization, now made up of 18 municipally-owned utilities, has helped PPU maintain a high level of reliability and low competitive rates.
Preston’s electrical system is fed by two 69,000 volt transmission lines. Electricity is distributed through two substations and approximately 15 miles of primary (4160 volts) and secondary (120/240 volts) lines.
In addition to the electric utility, PPU also operates the water and wastewater system within the community. The water system is supplied by three wells that are located throughout the community. Water storage is handled by two above ground tanks with a total capacity of 500,000 gallons. The community’s wastewater is treated at the wastewater treatment plant located near the fairgrounds. On average, the facility treats 250,000 gallons of wastewater each day.