Major Step Toward Enhanced Grid Reliability and Economic Development
Entergy Louisiana has received approval from the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC) to proceed with significant infrastructure investments intended to support Meta's new $10 billion data center in Richland Parish. This landmark agreement is expected to deliver long-term benefits to the state’s electric grid, enhancing reliability for all customers and preparing Louisiana for future energy needs[1][2][4].
Key Components of the Agreement
- Three New Generation Facilities: Entergy Louisiana will construct three modern combined cycle combustion turbine generation facilities. Two plants are planned for Richland Parish, expected online by late 2028, while a third facility will be built at the Waterford site in St. Charles Parish, scheduled to start operations by end of 2029[1][2][4].
- Expanded Transmission Infrastructure: Multiple new transmission facilities, including a 500-kilovolt transmission line and upgraded substations, will serve Meta's data center and strengthen reliability across Entergy's service area[1][4].
- Solar Power Procurement: The agreement authorizes Entergy Louisiana to procure up to 1,500 megawatts of solar resources through an expedited certification process, advancing the state's renewable energy goals[2].
Financial Structure and Consumer Protections
Meta will directly fund billions in needed infrastructure for its data center, ensuring that Entergy’s other customers are protected from those expenses. Despite this, Louisiana’s ratepayers remain responsible for at least $470 million associated with related transmission costs. Entergy officials indicate the agreement will likely result in less than a $1 monthly increase for customers. Protective conditions have been incorporated into the settlement to minimize risks of cost-shifting, earning support from major stakeholders such as Walmart, the Sierra Club, and the Southern Renewable Energy Association[1][4].
Impact and Stakeholder Reactions
The data center, spanning more than four million square feet, will be one of the largest private investments in Louisiana history and a catalyst for regional economic development. Entergy Louisiana views this not only as an investment in critical infrastructure, but also as a significant boost for local communities, businesses, and job creation[3].
Commissioner Foster Campbell described the deal as a “once-in-a-generation investment opportunity” for northeast Louisiana, while some groups, including the Louisiana Energy Users Group and the Alliance for Affordable Energy, have voiced concerns about the risks and potential rate impacts facing existing Entergy customers[4][5].
The Louisiana 100 Plan and Future Outlook
The infrastructure projects align with Entergy Louisiana’s Louisiana 100 Plan—a decade-long commitment focused on affordability, grid resilience, economic growth, job creation, and community investment. Through this initiative, Entergy aims to keep residential rates low, fortify the grid against extreme weather, attract high-impact industries, and invest $100 million in Louisiana communities. More details on their strategy can be found at Entergy Louisiana’s official
Louisiana 100 Plan[3].
Concerns on Affordability and Reliability
Despite the promise of enhanced reliability and economic progress, advocacy groups continue to scrutinize the distribution of risks and costs. The Louisiana Energy Users Group, representing major industrial consumers, argues that Entergy’s current structure “unreasonably imposes financial risks on captive ratepayers.” The Alliance for Affordable Energy highlights the potential for large energy users—such as Meta's facility—to drive market energy prices higher, which may be felt in customers’ monthly bills as fuel costs[5].
Project Milestones
- Groundbreaking Achieved: In June 2025, Entergy Louisiana broke ground on the 55-acre Smalling Substation, a key connection for the Meta data center, fully funded by Meta[3].
- Operational Targets: Richland Parish generation facilities are expected online by late 2028; Waterford site by end of 2029[1][2][4].
This multi-billion dollar initiative is set to transform Louisiana’s energy landscape, attract new industries, and foster community growth and resilience for decades to come.
