RAYVILLE, La. — Entergy Louisiana announced a new agreement with Meta tied to a planned hyperscale data center in northeast Louisiana, a deal the utility said will deliver approximately $2 billion in customer savings over 20 years.
The agreement builds on a previously announced arrangement between the companies and brings total projected customer benefits to about $2.65 billion, according to Entergy. The structure requires Meta to pay its full cost of service, a key provision aimed at preventing additional costs from being passed on to existing ratepayers.
“This agreement reflects what’s possible when strong partners align around long-term growth and value,” said Phillip May, president and CEO of Entergy Louisiana.
Under the deal, Meta will fund infrastructure needed to support the data center and broader grid improvements. The project includes plans for new generation, transmission and storage assets, with costs covered by the company.
Additional commitments from Meta include $120 million, including matching funds, for Entergy’s Power to Care program and $140 million for energy efficiency initiatives targeting vulnerable customers. The agreement also outlines support for carbon-free nuclear energy development and up to 2,500 megawatts of new solar capacity.
The development is expected to generate thousands of construction jobs between 2026 and 2031, along with permanent positions in engineering, maintenance and support services. It is also projected to increase local tax revenues and expand workforce development opportunities in the region.
The data center project is positioned as a major economic driver for Richland Parish, with the potential to scale up to 5 gigawatts of capacity. Rachel Peterson, vice president of data centers at Meta, said the company worked closely with Entergy to ensure its power needs would not increase costs for other customers.
Jeff Landry said the agreement highlights the state’s focus on job creation and investment while maintaining consumer protections.
To support the project, Entergy Louisiana plans to build seven natural gas combined-cycle plants totaling more than 5,200 megawatts, approximately 240 miles of high-voltage transmission lines, battery storage systems and additional renewable and nuclear capacity upgrades.
The filing will be reviewed under the Louisiana Public Service Commission’s Lightning Amendment, a framework designed to facilitate large-scale economic development while maintaining regulatory oversight and reliability standards.