What’s Next After Louisiana’s Gas Plant Approval for Meta Data Center

Overview

Meta is constructing a massive data center in Richland Parish, Louisiana, driving the need for significant new electricity generation. The Louisiana Public Service Commission approved the construction of three natural gas power plants and a large transmission line, largely to supply this facility. The planned data center will span 70 football fields and demand over 2 gigawatts of power, with concerns about both environmental and economic impacts for local residents.[1][3][4][5][6]

Impact on Energy Demand and Ratepayers

The Louisiana Energy Users Group estimated the facility will raise Entergy’s electric needs by about 30%, presenting an unprecedented financial and operational burden for existing ratepayers in the state.[5]
Utility customers are set to cover significant portions of the $550 million transmission line and may also shoulder costs for the gas plants after Meta’s 15-year contract ends, even though these plants may operate 30 years or more.[3][4][1][5]

Contractual Terms and Criticisms

Entergy and Meta have a 15-year deal covering the initial costs. Critics are concerned about what will happen after this agreement expires, particularly regarding who pays for ongoing plant operations.[4][3][5]
The approval process was expedited, reducing opportunities for public feedback and amendments. Some critics questioned the lack of firm commitments for local job creation and the absence of a cap on related rate increases.[4]

Environmental and Economic Concerns

The project has attracted opposition due to anticipated increases in pollution from the gas plants and potential rises in water usage.[5][4]
State legislators also offered additional tax incentives to Meta without robust evaluation or obligations for local benefits.[4]

Voices from the Community

“This is something we've been waiting a long, long time for in North Louisiana... I want to see something happen for North Louisiana and I know this will do it.”
— Commissioner Foster Campbell[5]

“The data center load will increase the Entergy electric needs in Louisiana by roughly 30%. It will far exceed the size of any other load existing today on the Entergy system, and the requested investment to serve the new load is highly unique and unprecedented in the magnitude of financial cost and risk it presents to existing ratepayers.”
— Louisiana Energy Users Group[5]

“While Meta has agreed to finance the initial 15 years of a 30-year loan for the gas plants, the costs for the transmission line will be borne by utility customers.”
— WIRED review of project documents[4]

Summary

The approval of substantial new gas power plants for Meta's Louisiana data center may reshape the region’s energy landscape but leaves residents facing long-term risks of higher utility costs and heightened environmental concerns.[6][1][3][4][5]

The Equation - Union of Concerned Scientists — 2025-11-20