Two electric utilities have agreed to divide up service territory on the outskirts of the city of Jamestown.

Otter Tail Power Co. and Northern Plains Electric Cooperative negotiated the agreement. North Dakota's Public Service Commission approved the deal Wednesday.

Commission President Kevin Cramer says the accord will help the two companies avoid expensive fights over territory.

Otter Tail is based in Fergus Falls, Minn. It serves about 57,000 North Dakota customers, including the cities of Jamestown, Devils Lake and Wahpeton.

Northern Plains has offices in Cando and Carrington. Its territory stretches from the Canadian border to south of Jamestown. It serves Rolla, Cando, Rugby, New Rockford and Carrington.

- Associated Press