Minnesota public power utility Owatonna Public Utilities on April 13 announced the passing of its General Manager Roger Warehime, who served the utility for over two decades, joining OPU in 2004 and serving as General Manager since December 2018.
Warehim guided Owatonna Public Utilities through significant challenges and periods of growth, maintaining exceptional reliability and below average utility rates for customers, investing in replacement of aging infrastructure across the community, and leading the organization through extreme weather events, always keeping the needs of our customers and community at the forefront of every decision, the utility noted.
Under his leadership, Owatonna Public Utilities achieved significant modernization, including the successful five-year transition to Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI).
"His vision on technology and the use of data helped guide OPU’s decision to implement AMI. He understood the value of AMI beyond simply automating the reading of meters. Roger saw the analytical potential in that data long before it was fully realized, and he set OPU on a path that continues to deliver meaningful benefits to the customers it serves. He also guided the organization through its 100th anniversary milestone and helped ensure OPU remained one of the most reliable utilities in the state," the utility noted.
One of his greatest accomplishments was the team he built and the culture he leaves behind. He believed that a strong organization starts with its people, and he worked every day to build a workplace where employees felt valued, supported, and proud of the work they do. The culture of safety, accountability, and genuine care for one another that defines OPU today is a direct reflection of his leadership and his character.
"Roger didn't just manage a utility — he built a team, earned the trust of this community, and made all of us better at what we do. This is a tremendous loss, and he will be deeply missed by everyone at Owatonna Public Utilities." said Kent Rossi, Board President.
"His dedication to safe, reliable, and affordable water, electric, and gas service was unwavering. He was a respected voice in the utility industry and a trusted neighbor at home," Owatonna Public Utilities said.
"Our deepest condolences go out to his family. He will be profoundly missed by the staff and board of Owatonna Public Utilities and by the community he served so faithfully," the utility added.
