ÍáÍáÂþ»­

Sponsored By
An organization or individual has paid for the creation of this work but did not approve or review it.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Bemidji-area power companies report full restoration following widespread outages

Local power companies Beltrami Electric Cooperative and Otter Tail Power Company have reported that power has been restored to everyone who experienced an outage due to the June 21 storm.

BEC_Crews_Photo-LastDay.jpg
Beltrami Electric and mutual aid crews from other co-ops gather with BEC’s team for a briefing on the last full day of restoration work from the June 21 storm.
Courtesy / Beltrami Electric Cooperative

BEMIDJI — Local power companies Beltrami Electric Cooperative and Otter Tail Power Company have reported that power has been restored to everyone who experienced an outage due to the June 21 storm.

According to a June 27 release from BEC, its outage map "reflected zero members without power early this morning — marking a significant milestone in what has been one of the most challenging and grueling restoration efforts in recent memory."

ADVERTISEMENT

In seven days, the cooperative restored power to more than 19,000 members who lost service following the storm, the release noted. More than 90% of the co-op’s rural distribution system was affected.

"The storm caused widespread destruction, including an estimated 80 broken poles, along with damage to transformers and other essential equipment," the release said. "While all members have been restored, the cooperative faces weeks of follow-up repair work to fully address the lasting impact."

According to a June 27 Facebook post, Otter Tail Power Company has also restored power to its customers.

"From sunrise to sunset, our crews have braved challenging conditions head-on to restore power and support our communities this week," the post reads. "We've restored electrical system service to all communities."

BEC members can receive updates on outages and restoration efforts by visiting the outage map at beltramielectric.com. Members who need to report an outage can call 1-800-955-6083.

Otter Tail Power Company customers can receive updates on outages and restoration efforts by visiting the outage map at Customers who need to report an outage can call (800) 257-4044.

Our newsroom sometimes reports stories under the byline "Pioneer Staff Report." This byline is used when reporters rewrite basic news briefs that originate from official sources, such as an email or press release that requires little or no reporting.

Other times, this byline is used when a news story includes numerous authors or when the story is formed by aggregating previously reported news from various sources. If outside sources are used, it is noted within the story.

For questions about a staff report, call (218) 333-9796 or email news@bemidjipioneer.com.
Conversation

ADVERTISEMENT

What To Read Next
Get Local

ADVERTISEMENT