Fergus Falls, (OTPC) Minnesota, January 12, 2023: The Edison Electric Institute (EEI) presented
Otter Tail Power Company with the association’s Emergency Recovery Award for its
outstanding restoration efforts during and after the storm that hit parts of the company’s service
area on May 12, 2022.
Presented to EEI member companies twice a year, this award recognizes recovery efforts of
electric companies following service disruptions caused by extreme weather or other natural
events. A panel of judges chose the winners following an international nomination process.
Catastrophic storm sweeps through service area
The National Weather Service labeled the May 12 storm that ravaged through Minnesota and
South Dakota a derecho. The damage was staggering. More than 40 percent of the company’s
feeders experienced an interruption, impacting nearly half of Otter Tail Power’s 422
communities and leaving approximately 24,000 without electricity.
Restoration efforts involved complicated logistics across the company’s service area. But Otter
Tail Power employees rallied—working safely during long hours over multiple days to restore
power, make repairs, and pick up others’ accountabilities as needed while more than 115
employees in the field pushed toward the areas hardest hit.
“Throughout the past six months, electric companies faced devastating hurricanes,
unprecedented heat waves, and many other extreme weather events that impacted the
customers and communities we serve,” said EEI President Tom Kuhn. “I commend Otter Tail
Power’s commitment to restore service for its customers safely and quickly under challenging
conditions. Otter Tail Power is undoubtedly deserving of this national recognition, and I’m
honored to present them with this well-deserved award.”
Power and people you can count on
“Historic storms like this one, while rare, are inevitable. It’s why we invest so heavily in preparingNews release
Contact: Stephanie Hoff
shoff@otpco.com
218-739-8535 (office)
for the worst—so we’re ready, always,” said Otter Tail Power President Tim Rogelstad. “It took
tremendous effort to restore power, and we’re grateful for EEI’s recognition. Thank you to all
employees for your hard work and commitment to our customers and to each other. From those
braving the elements during outages to those putting in long hours monitoring and maintaining
our systems, we reliably serve our customers each and every day.”
This news release is available on our website at otpco.com/Newsroom.
About Otter Tail Power Company
Otter Tail Power Company, a subsidiary of Otter Tail Corporation (Nasdaq Global Select Market: OTTR),
is headquartered in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. With a balanced commitment to environmental, economic,
and community stewardship, the company provides electricity and energy services to approximately
133,000 customers in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. To learn more about Otter Tail Power
Company visit otpco.com. To learn more about Otter Tail Corporation visit ottertail.com.
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Photo caption: Otter Tail Corporation President and CEO Chuck MacFarlane accepts the EEI
Emergency Response Award.