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Governor’s Safety Award earned by Otter Tail Power Company

Fergus Falls, Minnesota - May 18, 2009

The Minnesota Safety Council has awarded a Governor’s Safety Award to Otter Tail Power Company for companywide excellence in workplace safety and health in 2008. The company is one of 249 employers out of 522 entrants who were recognized at the Governor’s Safety Awards luncheon at the Minneapolis Convention Center on May 15.

“An effective safety program reduces injuries and costs, maximizes productivity, and builds morale,” said Carol Bufton, president of the Minnesota Safety Council. “Employers like Otter Tail Power Company understand that safety is good business, now more than ever.”

Since 1934 the annual Governor’s Safety Awards have spotlighted Minnesota employers with above-average safety records. Participants submit injury information that is compared with state and national data, as well as the entrant’s past performance. Ongoing safety programs and activities also are considered. Winners are recognized at three levels:

1. Meritorious Achievement (110 winners) – better than average performance in incident rates, dependent on industry type.

2. Outstanding Achievement (68 winners) – continuing improvement and/or a continuing outstanding record.

3. Award of Honor (71 winners) – exceptional accomplishment in reduction of injuries and illnesses in the workplace.

Otter Tail Power Company received an Award of Honor, the highest level. The company also received this award for 2007 and 2005.

“Thanks to our employees whose attention to safety earned this highest Minnesota Safety Council award,” said Otter Tail Power Company President Chuck MacFarlane. “With an OSHA rate below 2 and more than 2 million hours worked without a lost-workday event, it is well-deserved recognition.”

The Governor’s Safety Awards luncheon is part of the 75th Minnesota Safety and Health Conference, coordinated by the Minnesota Safety Council. The conference is the oldest and largest gathering of workplace safety and health professionals in the region. The Minnesota Safety Council, founded in 1928, is a nongovernmental, not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in Minnesota by preventing unintentional injuries and accidents.

Otter Tail Power Company, a division of Otter Tail Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select Market: OTTR), is headquartered in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. It provides electricity and energy services to more than a quarter million people in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. To learn more about Otter Tail Power Company visit www.otpco.com. To learn more about Otter Tail Corporation visit www.ottertail.com.

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