Otter Tail Power to Bring Reliable Electricity to Carrington

New high-voltage line to connect city to regional power grid

Mar. 30, 2026 at 12:00am

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a vintage electrical transformer repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the reliable electrical infrastructure that powered Carrington's growth.A century ago, Otter Tail Power's investment in Carrington's electrical grid helped ensure the community had the reliable power needed to support its growth and development.Carrington Today

A century ago, the Otter Tail Power Company announced plans to construct new electrical infrastructure that would provide the city of Carrington, North Dakota with the most dependable electric service in the state. The project involved building a high-voltage transmission line from Jamestown to Kensal and then on to Carrington, linking the city to Otter Tail's power plants in Jamestown and Fergus Falls, Minnesota.

Why it matters

This investment in Carrington's electrical grid was a significant development for the community, ensuring reliable power and positioning the city for future growth. It highlights Otter Tail's commitment to serving rural areas and the importance of electrical infrastructure in supporting economic and community development.

The details

The new high-voltage line would connect Carrington to Otter Tail's power plants in Jamestown and Fergus Falls, providing the city with redundant sources of electricity. This was seen as a major upgrade from Carrington's previous reliance on a single power source. The project was expected to begin immediately, underscoring Otter Tail's urgency in bringing this improved service to the area.

  • Work was expected to start on April 1, 1926 on the new high-voltage line.
  • The line would connect Carrington to the Jamestown electric plant as well as the water power and steam plant at Fergus Falls, Minnesota.

The players

Otter Tail Power Company

An electric utility company that provides power to communities in North Dakota, Minnesota, and South Dakota.

Carrington, North Dakota

A city in central North Dakota that was set to receive the new high-voltage electrical infrastructure from Otter Tail Power.

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The takeaway

This investment by Otter Tail Power underscores the critical role that reliable electricity infrastructure plays in supporting the growth and development of rural communities like Carrington. By connecting the city to redundant power sources, Otter Tail helped ensure Carrington would have the dependable service needed to attract businesses and residents.