RAYVILLE, La. Entergy Louisiana has started construction on two combined-cycle combustion turbine plants in Richland Parish after receiving approval from the Louisiana Public Service Commission. The Franklin Farms Power Station and its companion facility will add about 1,500 megawatts of natural gas generation capacity aimed at improving reliability, supporting industrial and digital growth and delivering long-term customer savings.
The company said the investment reflects a broader plan to modernize the state’s energy infrastructure as electricity demand increases, including from large-scale data centers. The new units are being developed through an expedited interconnection study process intended to speed project delivery in what state leaders have described as a power-first economic environment.
“This project reinforces what we are seeing across Louisiana: when we modernize our energy infrastructure, we unlock growth for every region of our state,” LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois said. “Under Governor Landry’s leadership, we are strengthening reliability, powering innovation and creating the conditions for long-term economic opportunity. Entergy’s investment demonstrates the value of partnership and the competitive advantage Louisiana brings to a power-first economy.”
Entergy Louisiana said the facilities will use advanced, fuel-efficient technology designed to lower emissions and enhance system stability. The investment is part of the company’s long-term plan to update its generation fleet.
“These facilities represent the next step in Entergy Louisiana’s long-term strategy to modernize our generation fleet and deliver reliable, cost-effective power to our customers,” Entergy Louisiana President and CEO Phillip May said. “By investing in efficient technologies and robust infrastructure, we’re ensuring that Louisiana remains a competitive, attractive place to live, work, and do business both today and well into the future.”
May added appreciation for public partners, saying, “I also want to thank our partners from local and state governments, the Franklin family and our communities for coming together to ensure the success of this historic project.”
Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell said the groundbreaking marks a milestone for the region. “Truly a bright day for northeast Louisiana. I am glad to help play a small part in this economic opportunity,” he said.
Supporting the digital economy
Meta’s new data center in north Louisiana, one of the region’s largest capital investments, is expected to employ more than 5,000 construction workers and 500 operational staff after completion. Entergy Louisiana said the new generation facilities will support the power needs of the data center while contributing to grid reliability for all customers.
Entergy Louisiana and Meta were recently recognized at the Louisiana Energy Awards for their collaboration on digital-infrastructure development.
Customer savings projected at $650 million
Entergy Louisiana said Meta’s operational presence will directly lower energy costs for customers by offsetting systemwide expenses, including storm recovery charges. The company projects that Meta’s contributions will reduce customer storm charges and resilience-upgrade impacts by about 10 percent and generate approximately $650 million in customer savings over 15 years.
Meta will pay the full cost of utility infrastructure required to connect its Richland Parish facility, a structure aligned with consumer-protection regulations that prevent costs from shifting to other customers. Entergy Louisiana said the new plants will be among the most fuel-efficient in the state.
Economic impacts for Richland Parish
Construction and long-term operation of the facilities are expected to generate jobs, increase tax revenues and improve grid performance in surrounding communities.
“Entergy Louisiana’s partnership with Meta and our local leaders demonstrates how strategic energy investments can drive economic development and strengthen the communities we serve,” May said. “Together, we are building the foundation for Louisiana’s energy future one that supports growth, innovation, and opportunity for all.”
Both facilities are scheduled to enter service by late 2028.