Otter Tail, electric co-op reach deal

BISMARCK (AP) — Two electric utilities have reached a deal to split up service territory in the city of Wahpeton and its outskirts.

Otter Tail Power Co. and Dakota Valley Electric Cooperative negotiated the agreement. North Dakota’s Public Service Commission approved it Wednesday.

Commission President Susan Wefald says the deal will help avoid service disputes between the two utilities in the future.

It gives Otter Tail explicit service rights to some areas on the outskirts of Wahpeton, and some property along the Bois de Sioux and Red rivers.

Wefald says Wahpeton’s City Council has endorsed the proposal. The commission advertised for public comments on the proposed deal, and Wefald says the agency didn’t get any complaints.

Wefald says the agreement won’t affect service for existing customers. She says a handful of Otter Tail electric customers live in Dakota Valley’s service territory, but they’ll still get their power from Otter Tail.

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