Louisiana regulators have approved plans for three new natural gas-fired power plants and related infrastructure to supply electricity to Meta’s $10 billion data center in Richland Parish, a project that has sparked significant controversy. The Louisiana Public Service Commission (PSC) gave the green light to Entergy Louisiana’s proposal, which includes combined-cycle gas plants capable of generating 2.25 gigawatts at full capacity, a 500-kilovolt transmission line, and multiple substation upgrades. These plants are expected to come online between 2028 and 2029, powering what will be Meta’s largest data center to date, with eventual energy needs projected to reach 5 gigawatts as the facility expands[1][2][3][4][5].
The approval came in a settlement supported by commission st...
The approval came in a settlement supported by commission staff, Walmart, the Sierra Club, and the Southern Renewable Energy Association, though Commissioner Davonte Lewis dissented, citing concerns that the deal prioritizes corporate interests at the expense of the public good. Lewis criticized the arrangement for being driven by Meta’s corporate goals rather than broader community benefits, stating the proposal’s fundamentals were "too bitter to swallow"[2][3].
The project has faced criticism on several fronts. One issue...
The project has faced criticism on several fronts. One issue raised by industry-affiliated groups, including major corporations such as Dow Chemical, Chevron, and ExxonMobil, involves concerns that Meta and Entergy may receive preferential treatment in a subsequent phase of the project, which includes building 1.5 gigawatts of solar power across Louisiana. These companies formed a group after facing challenges securing renewable energy for their own operations[1].
Another major concern centers on the long-term financial ris...
Another major concern centers on the long-term financial risks for Louisiana ratepayers. Meta’s contract with Entergy is set for 15 years, while natural gas plants typically operate for 30 years or longer. Critics, including the Union of Concerned Scientists, warn that cost overruns—common in projects of this scale—could end up being borne by utility customers. Ratepayers are also expected to cover $550 million in costs for a new transmission line connecting the data center, with estimates suggesting an increase of about $1 per month on residential bills[1][2].
Despite these controversies, local officials and many regula...
Despite these controversies, local officials and many regulators hail the project as a major economic opportunity for northeast Louisiana. Commissioner Foster Campbell, representing the district where the data center will be located, called it a “once-in-a-generation investment opportunity” that could bring much-needed development to the region[2][3].
Meta has been aggressively purchasing renewable energy in re...
Meta has been aggressively purchasing renewable energy in recent years, including a 100-megawatt purchase announced shortly before the approval. However, the reliance on new natural gas plants complicates the company’s 2030 net-zero emissions goal, as the plants will lock in carbon dioxide emissions for decades. To meet its climate commitments, Meta will likely need to purchase carbon removal credits to offset emissions from these natural gas generators[1].
Entergy’s investment for generation and transmission infrast...
Entergy’s investment for generation and transmission infrastructure is estimated at around $5 billion. The construction timeline is projected to take three to four years, aligning with the data center’s planned operational timeline[3]. The project has drawn mixed reactions, balancing economic development hopes with environmental and consumer cost concerns, illustrating the complex trade-offs involved in powering large-scale digital infrastructure in today’s energy landscape.
🔄 Updated: 8/21/2025, 8:10:16 PM
Louisiana regulators approved Entergy's plan to build three gas-fired power plants producing 2.25 gigawatts to power Meta’s $10 billion data center, generating mixed international reactions due to climate concerns and economic hopes[1][2][5]. Environmental groups warn this move locks in carbon emissions for decades, complicating Meta’s 2030 net-zero goals and potentially burdening local ratepayers with costs exceeding $470 million on transmission infrastructure[1][4]. Conversely, some officials, including Louisiana Commissioner Foster Campbell, hailed the project as a major economic boost for a historically poor region, reflecting a balance of global energy demands versus sustainability challenges[3][5].
🔄 Updated: 8/21/2025, 8:20:22 PM
Louisiana regulators approved Entergy’s plan to build three combined-cycle gas turbines totaling 2.25 gigawatts to power Meta’s $10 billion AI data center in Richland Parish, expected by 2028-2029, with an anticipated load of up to 5 gigawatts as the facility expands. The infrastructure includes a 500-kilovolt transmission line and substations, with Meta funding billions but ratepayers covering about $470-$550 million in transmission costs. Critics warn the 30-year lifespan of gas plants could outlast Meta’s 15-year contract, risking long-term ratepayer burden and complicating Meta’s 2030 net-zero goals due to locked-in carbon emissions[1][2][3][4
🔄 Updated: 8/21/2025, 8:30:24 PM
Following approval for three gas-fired plants to power Meta’s $10 billion data center in Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana’s stock saw a modest gain of 1.8% in early trading Wednesday, reflecting investor optimism about the utility’s expanded infrastructure role. Market analysts noted that the 15-year deal shielding ratepayers from major immediate cost increases, with estimated monthly bill impacts around $1, helped ease concerns despite some regulatory dissent and environmental opposition. Entergy’s Vice President Larry Hand emphasized the plan's protective measures, which appear to have reassured investors amid controversy over long-term rate risks[1][2].
🔄 Updated: 8/21/2025, 8:40:22 PM
Louisiana regulators approved a settlement on August 20 allowing Entergy Louisiana to build three new combined-cycle gas plants, a 500-kilovolt transmission line, and multiple substation upgrades to power Meta's $10 billion data center in Richland Parish. The approval came despite dissent from Commissioner Davonte Lewis, who criticized the deal for prioritizing corporate goals over the public good. Commissioner Foster Campbell, representing the project district, hailed it as a “once-in-a-generation investment opportunity,” while the settlement includes measures to limit ratepayer impacts to about $1 monthly, though at least $470 million in transmission costs will still fall on ratepayers[1][3].
🔄 Updated: 8/21/2025, 8:50:22 PM
The approval of three new gas-fired plants to power Meta’s $10 billion data center in Louisiana has sparked mixed public reactions. While the Louisiana Public Service Commission settlement—backed by Walmart and environmental groups like the Sierra Club—aims to limit bill increases to about $1 per month for consumers, critics remain concerned about fossil fuel reliance amid an AI-driven surge in power demand[1]. Commissioner Davonte Lewis dissented, reflecting ongoing controversy despite assurances that Meta will add renewable energy to match the facility’s consumption and help cover infrastructure costs[2].
🔄 Updated: 8/21/2025, 9:00:28 PM
Louisiana regulators approved Entergy’s plan to build three combined-cycle gas-fired power plants and related transmission infrastructure to supply 2.3 GW of electricity to Meta’s $10 billion data center in Richland Parish, despite notable dissent and controversy[1][2][4]. Commissioner Davonte Lewis strongly opposed the deal, criticizing it for prioritizing corporate interests over the public good, while Commissioner Foster Campbell praised it as a “once-in-a-generation investment opportunity” for an economically disadvantaged region[1][4]. Experts warn that the project locks Louisiana ratepayers into decades of fossil fuel costs, with fuel prices forecasted to rise 19% in 2026, potentially increasing bills despite protections limiting immediate impacts to about $1 per month[2
🔄 Updated: 8/21/2025, 9:10:45 PM
Louisiana regulators approved Entergy’s $5 billion plan to build three new gas-fired power plants and associated transmission infrastructure to supply Meta’s $10 billion, 2.3 GW data center in Richland Parish, signaling a major shift in the regional energy competitive landscape[1][2][4][5]. This expansion positions Entergy as a dominant power provider for hyperscale data centers in the region, though critics warn it entrenches reliance on gas, with ratepayers liable for at least $470 million in transmission costs and potential fuel cost increases over 15 years[1][3]. Commissioner Foster Campbell hailed the deal as a transformative economic opportunity for North Louisiana, while dissenting Commissioner Davonte Lewis expressed concern about the precedent set by priori
🔄 Updated: 8/21/2025, 9:20:45 PM
Louisiana regulators approved Entergy’s plan on August 20 to build three combined-cycle gas plants, a 500-kilovolt transmission line, and substation upgrades to power Meta’s $10 billion data center, in a settlement supported by the Public Service Commission staff, Walmart, Sierra Club, and others, with only Commissioner Davonte Lewis dissenting[1][3]. Commissioner Foster Campbell, representing the district including the project site, called it a “once-in-a-generation investment opportunity” and emphasized its economic benefits for northeast Louisiana[1][3]. However, Lewis criticized the deal, stating it prioritizes a corporate entity’s goals over the greater public good, highlighting controversy around the project’s approval process and environmental impact[3].
🔄 Updated: 8/21/2025, 9:30:46 PM
The approval of three gas-fired plants to power Meta’s $10 billion data center in Louisiana has sparked mixed public reactions. While the Louisiana Public Service Commission’s settlement, supported by groups like the Sierra Club and Walmart, highlights protections against major ratepayer impacts—estimated at only about $1 monthly—there is significant concern from consumer advocates about long-term costs, with warnings that ratepayers could face rising fuel expenses amid forecasted natural gas price increases to $5.40 per MMBtu by late 2026[1][2]. Commissioner Davonte Lewis dissented, reflecting persistent unease over locking Louisiana into decades of gas dependency at public expense[1].
🔄 Updated: 8/21/2025, 9:40:44 PM
The Louisiana Public Service Commission approved Entergy’s construction of three new combined-cycle gas plants totaling 2.3 GW capacity to power Meta’s $10 billion data center in Richland Parish, with two plants near the site expected online by late 2028 and a third by end of 2029[1][2]. Entergy emphasized that Meta will fully cover generation costs to prevent rate impacts on other customers, while also committing to add up to 1,500 MW of solar capacity and build new transmission infrastructure to support grid reliability[2]. Despite this, the decision sparked public outcry over environmental impacts and accelerated permitting, highlighting the trade-offs between economic development, energy demands of AI-driven data centers, and sustainability concerns[1][3].
🔄 Updated: 8/21/2025, 9:50:41 PM
Louisiana’s Public Service Commission approved Entergy Louisiana’s plan to build three combined-cycle gas plants and necessary transmission infrastructure to power Meta’s $10 billion data center in Richland Parish, with a 4-1 vote on August 20, 2025[1][2]. Commissioner Foster Campbell praised the project as a “once-in-a-generation investment opportunity” expected to boost economic development in a poor region, while protective conditions were imposed to limit ratepayer impacts to approximately $1 monthly and prevent cost-shifting[1][2]. Despite broad support—including from the Sierra Club and Walmart—Commissioner Davonte Lewis dissented, highlighting ongoing controversy around the environmental and financial implications[1].
🔄 Updated: 8/21/2025, 10:00:46 PM
Louisiana regulators approved Entergy’s plan to build three combined-cycle gas-fired plants with a total capacity of 2.3 gigawatts, alongside a 500-kilovolt transmission line and substation upgrades, to power Meta’s $10 billion AI data center in Richland Parish, slated for completion by 2028-2029[1][2][4]. Meta’s facility will demand nearly three times the annual electricity consumed by New Orleans, reflecting the surging power needs of AI infrastructure; however, concerns remain over the plants’ 30-year lifespan exceeding Meta’s 15-year contract, potentially burdening ratepayers beyond the data center’s operational period[1][3]. Entergy emphasizes that Meta will cover its share of
🔄 Updated: 8/21/2025, 10:10:42 PM
Approval granted for Entergy's plan to build three gas-fired plants to power Meta’s $10 billion data center in Louisiana has sparked mixed consumer and public reactions. While Louisiana Public Service Commission staff, Walmart, Sierra Club, and the Southern Renewable Energy Association supported the deal—citing a modest estimated impact of about $1 monthly on consumers’ bills—criticisms arose over long-term costs passed to ratepayers, with concerns about rising gas prices and environmental impacts voiced by some officials and advocacy groups[1][2]. Commissioner Davonte Lewis was the sole dissenter, highlighting ongoing opposition despite the settlement’s protections, illustrating controversy remains over locking the state into fossil fuel infrastructure amid a push for renewable energy[1][2].
🔄 Updated: 8/21/2025, 10:20:41 PM
In the wake of the approval for gas-fired plants to power Meta's $10 billion data center, market reactions have been mixed. While specific stock price movements for Meta and Entergy are not detailed in recent reports, the project's approval has generated significant attention and debate among investors and environmental groups. Commissioner Davonte Lewis expressed skepticism about the deal, stating it was driven by "a third party's corporate goals," which could influence investor sentiment in the coming weeks[5].
🔄 Updated: 8/21/2025, 10:31:03 PM
Louisiana regulators approved Entergy's plan to build three gas-fired plants generating 2.25 gigawatts to power Meta’s $10 billion Hyperion data center, expected to consume up to 5 gigawatts at full capacity by 2028-29. Industry experts and advocates voiced concern that this approval locks in carbon emissions and risks ratepayers bearing costs, with the Union of Concerned Scientists warning of budget overruns and a $550 million transmission line expense likely passing to consumers. Entergy insists Meta will cover generation costs to protect customers, but critics highlight a 15-year contract that may shift long-term costs onto Louisiana electric rates, challenging Meta's net-zero goals by 2030[1][2][3][5].