Toronto Power Plant

Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) is a community-owned, not-for-profit public power provider serving local electric utilities — not shareholders or outside investors. That means decisions are made locally, with a focus on planning for the future responsibly. When we build facilities, we own them, operate them, and remain responsive to the communities where they are located. We do not build and leave.

The proposed Toronto Power Plant is a small facility designed to keep electricity reliable for homes, farms, and businesses across the region as demand continues to grow.

Community Engagement and Open Houses:

MRES will host a series of informal open houses across Deuel County to share information about the proposed Toronto Power Plant and engage in open dialogue with residents. These events are designed to provide additional opportunities for community members to ask questions and learn more about the plant’s purpose, operations and benefits.

  • Tuesday, May 12
    6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
    State Line Bar and Grill, 4000 Edgewater Dr, Gary, SD 57237

  • Wednesday, May 13
    Community Engagement Sessions for Toronto area residents:
    • Session 1:
      • 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
        Toronto Café, 485 Main Avenue, Toronto, S.D. 57268
        RSVP to connect@torontopowerplant.com due to limited seating
      • Session 2:
        6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
        Deubrook Elementary School, 695 Palisades Avenue, Toronto, S.D.
  • Monday, May 18
    6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
    High Mt Supper Club, 17530 SD-15, Altamont, SD 57226
  • Tuesday, May 19
    6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
    Lundy’s Dive Bar, 322 3rd Ave S, Clear Lake, SD 57226
  • Thursday, May 28
    6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
    Toronto Café, 485 Main Avenue, Toronto, S.D. 57268


About the Project:

The proposed Toronto Power Plant is a small energy facility built to provide backup electricity when it’s needed most. It would only operate during periods of high demand — such as during extreme heat or cold — when additional power is needed to keep the lights on. This is not a plant that would run around the clock like larger industrial projects in the area.

The facility’s purpose is to support the electrical needs of homes, farms, and businesses in communities such as Flandreau, Brookings, Watertown, and Big Stone City in South Dakota, as well as Marshall and Ortonville in Minnesota.

The plant would be located near Toronto, South Dakota, close to existing infrastructure to help limit new construction, reduce land impacts, and keep the overall footprint as small as possible.

Community Benefits:

The project would support the local economy and labor force while creating new local tax revenue each year to support public services across Deuel County. Most importantly, the plant would strengthen the regional power grid that local communities already rely on — especially during extreme weather.

According to a social and economic impact study by First District:

  • For approximately 20 months during construction, the project will create about 200 construction jobs, including a mix of general construction and skilled trade worker roles
    • This will be followed by a small number of permanent operations jobs once the facility is running, filled by people who live in the region
  • The project is expected to generate approximately $750,000 per year in property tax revenue for local governments, schools, and public services
    • Property tax rates for other landowners are expected to stabilize, supported by the expanded tax base

Project Status:

On April 7, 2026, the Deuel County Commission approved a rezoning requirement for the project, allowing the Toronto Power Plant to move forward at the planned location. As planning continues, we remain committed to transparency, responsiveness, and long-term partnership with the Deuel County community.

Ongoing Community Engagement:

MRES is committed to working closely with local leaders, landowners, and residents as this project moves forward. As a community-owned public power provider, it is our responsibility to listen, answer questions, and respond to concerns. Ongoing dialogue and community engagement will continue throughout the life of the project.

Project Milestones:

  • April 7, 2026: The Deuel County Commissioners voted to approve rezoning the property site to commercial/industrial.
  • February 26, 2026: MRES hosts a meeting with impacted area landowners.
  • September 24, 2025: The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission holds a public input meeting in Toronto, South Dakota about the project.
  • August 7, 2025: MRES submits a Facility Permit application to the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (SD PUC) for the project.
  • November 18, 2024: The Local Review Committee (LRC) and the First District Association of Local Governments hosted an informational meeting, open to the public, to review the findings of the Social and Economic Impact Study for the proposed Toronto Power Plant.
  • June 11, 2024: MRES held a public open house to discuss the project with the community.
  • June 2024: Western Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (WMMPA) filed a Notification of Intent (NOI) with the SD PUC to apply for a permit to construct an energy conversion facility, which is the proposed Toronto Power Plant. WMMPA finances the construction and acquisition of the generation and transmission facilities for MRES.

Connect with Us:

We want to hear from you. Questions and feedback are always welcome.

If you have questions about the Toronto Power Plant, connect with our team by email at connect@torontopowerplant.com, or call us at 605-977-7775.

Project Resources:


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