Minnkota Power Cooperative is warning the public to avoid downed power lines and related debris from the June 29 storm. About 13 miles of 230,000-volt transmission line running from Winger to Fosston was taken down by strong winds. Debris from the line has been removed from roadways, railroads and other transportation corridors; however, fragments of the 74 damaged power line structures remain in farmland and other areas. Minnkota has been in contact with affected landowners and continues to assess crop damage.
For your safety, please do not approach the downed lines. The structures can be dangerous, and one must always assume a line is energized. If there is a safety issue, please contact Minnkota Power Cooperative immediately at 701-795-4000.
Minnkota crews are working as safely and quickly as possible to remove debris from the area. The cleanup process is expected to be done within 4 to 6 weeks. Please be mindful that there will be extra traffic on Highway 1 for some time and heavier traffic and congestion along township roads from Winger to Fosston. Once the debris is hauled away, a contractor will replace the 12.5-mile line.
Redundancy built into Minnkota’s transmission system allows for energy to be delivered to the area using alternate power lines. While some shorter power outages may be required to repair the system, Minnkota is working to limit any additional outage time for electric consumers in the region.
Minnkota Power Cooperative is a not-for-profit electric generation and transmission cooperative headquartered in Grand Forks, N.D. Formed in 1940, Minnkota provides wholesale electric energy to 11 member-owner distribution cooperatives located in eastern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota. Minnkota members in the area include Wild Rice Electric Cooperative, Clearwater-Polk Electric Cooperative, and Red Lake Electric Cooperative. Associated municipal utilities in the area include the city of Fosston and the city of Bagley.
