Otter Tail Power Company reports progress on Bemidji area power restoration

Residents of Bemidji are facing ongoing power outages, with many still relying on generators as crews work to restore electricity. During a recent government meeting, officials provided updates on the situation, emphasizing the need for patience as restoration efforts continue.

Commissioner Gull reported that while some areas, including downtown, have had power restored, the South Lake Irving area is expected to have electricity back by approximately 7 PM tonight. However, he cautioned that not all customers would be restored simultaneously, as utility companies prioritize bringing substations online first before addressing individual outages.

The Otter Tail Power Company is actively working on the situation, with over 55 workers on-site to tackle the issues. At the peak of the outage, around 20,000 customers were affected, but that number has significantly decreased to about 1,632 as of this morning. All substations are now operational, indicating progress in the restoration efforts.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed through the Otter Tail Power Company's website, which provides updates on the status of power restoration. As the community navigates this challenging situation, officials stress the importance of patience and understanding as crews continue their work to restore power to all affected areas.