Hydroelectric

We create electricity from coal, hydroelectric, natural gas, oil, solar, and wind facilities. We also purchase electricity from the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, or MISO, energy market when buying it is more economical than generating it ourselves. This mix ensures reliable, low-cost, and increasingly clean electricity 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

We have five hydroelectric plants along the Otter Tail River. The plants generate approximately 1% of the electricity with which we serve our customers.

Recreation

Each of our hydroelectric sites have recreational opportunities for public use.

Dayton Hollow Dam supports boating access by providing portage access to waters above and below the dam. Shoreline fishing is also available at this location. Address: 17820 185th Street, Fergus Falls, MN.

Hoot Lake (Diversion) Dam provides portage access to waters above and below the dam, and shoreline fishing is available. River portage is also available at the rapids located downstream at the former Hoot Lake Plant site. Minimum river flow volumes from the dam are provided throughout the year to provide boating access for recreational activities. Address: 24338 Diversion Drive, Fergus Falls, MN.

Pisgah Dam supports boating access by providing portage access to waters above and below the dam. Shoreline fishing is also available at this location. Address: 640 Tower Road South, Fergus Falls, MN.

Taplin Gorge (Friberg) Dam supports boating activities by providing portage access above and below the dam. Shore fishing and picnic tables are available. Minimum river flow volumes are provided between the dam’s spillway and powerhouse to provide boating access in the bypass reach. Address: 22452 290th Street, Fergus Falls, MN.

Wright (Central) Dam connects to the City of Fergus Falls River Walk and provides limited access for shoreline fishing. Portage access is available upstream at Veterans Memorial Park, and downstream along the River Walk. Address: 202 South Cascade Street, Fergus Falls, MN.