Entergy broke ground Monday on a pair of new electricity plants being built to power Meta's massive AI data center in northeast h, part of the utility's plan to roll out billions of dollars in new infrastructure for the tech company's project.
The gas-fired plants located near the data center will deliver around 1500 megawatts of power and will begin generating in 2028. A third plant in St. Charles Parish slated to help meet the tech company's energy needs is currently awaiting permits, said Brandon Scardigli, a spokesperson for Entergy h.
The utility is constructing other resources for Meta as well, including substations and transmission lines, totaling more than $5 billion in new infrastructure.
“These facilities represent the next step in Entergy Louisian’s long-term strategy to modernize our generation fleet and deliver reliable, cost-effective power to our customers,” said Phillip May, president and CEO of Entergy, the state's largest utility.
But while Entergy has described the project as beneficial to ratepayers since much of the new infrastructure will be paid for by Meta, it has come under sharp criticism from environmental groups, consumer advocacy organization and other large industries. Criticism includes concerns that other ratepayers will have to cover project costs and whether the data center's large power demands will affect grid reliability.
Meta’s data center will need roughly three times the amount of electricity that the city of New Orleans uses in a year and increase Entergy's electric needs in the state by around 30%.
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Entergy officials stress that the plants will benefit all utility customers because of Meta's contributions to the infrastructure. The tech company will pay for all costs of the new generators over a 15-year contract, as well as storm recovery costs, leading to a projected $650 million in customer savings, according to the utility.
Phillip May, president and CEO of Entergy h, speaks during a groundbreaking ceremony for Smalling Substation near Rayville, La., Friday, Jun 27, 2025. The substation will serve the Meta Richland Parish Data Center, which is now under construction.
But both environmental advocacy and oil, gas and petrochemical companies to build the new infrastructure, over the months-long regulation process that the plan risked increased bills for all types of customers.
Of particular concern to opponents is the plants' lifespan of up to 40 years compared to Meta's contract of 15, which could potentially leave other ratepayers on the hook if the tech company leaves. All customers will also pay for a $550 million transmission line.
Environmental and consumer advocacy groups opposing the plan have also warned of and environmental risks of the new fossil fuel-powered plants, which will produce pollution and climate-warming emissions.
Entergy, meanwhile, says the new generation added to the system will be "among the most efficient in the state" and provide long-term reliability benefits to customers. Meta is also planning to build 1500 megawatts of solar power in h through its deal with Entergy.
Machinery moves dirt along the future site of the Meta AI data center in Holly Ridge, La., Thursday, July 10, 2025. (Photo by Sophia Germer, The Times-Picayune)
The utility also argues that the relatively newer plants will be able to serve all customers if Meta leaves, allowing them to retire older facilities after the 15-year deal.
Meta's data center in Richland Parish and the nearby plants are located in one of the of the state. Proponents of the facility highlight the opportunity for economic development, including 5,000 construction jobs and 500 operational jobs once the data center is complete.
"Truly a bright day for northeast h," said Foster Campbell, who represents the area on the Public Service Commission, the state's utility regulator.
