State steps out of utility dispute at Turtle Mountain Band casino

Friday, June 15, 2012  

The Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians has the authority to decide who supplies power to its casino, the North Dakota Public Service Commission ruled on Thursday.

The tribe is expanding the Sky Dancer Casino and Hotel and chose Otter Tail Power Co. as its provider. North Central Electric Cooperative protested the move because it already runs utility lines on the reservation.

Normally, state law bars duplicative electric networks. But the commission determined that it lacked jurisdiction in Indian Country.

The case is North Central Electric Cooperative v. Otter Tail Power Co., No. PU-11-701.

Get the Story:
North Dakota regulators bow out of tribal electric dispute (AP 6/15)