Entergy Arkansas powers Google's $4B investment in the state

Rhea-AI Summary

Entergy Arkansas (NYSE:ETR) announced on Oct 2, 2025 it will power Google's $4 billion planned cloud and AI investment in Arkansas, including a new data center in West Memphis.

Google will cover the facility's full energy costs and establish a $25 million Energy Impact Fund for Crittenden County energy affordability, weatherization, efficiency tech and workforce development. Entergy says the contract will provide over $1.1 billion in net benefits over the life of the agreement. The project is backed by a proposed 600 MW solar build plus a 350 MW battery in Jefferson County, filed for approval with the Arkansas Public Service Commission.

Positive

• $4 billion Google investment in Arkansas data center
• $25 million Energy Impact Fund for local energy programs
• $1.1 billion net benefits over contract life claimed by Entergy
• 600 MW solar paired with 350 MW battery planned

Negative

• 600 MW solar and 350 MW battery plan filed but pending Arkansas Public Service Commission approval

Insights

Utility Grid Strategist

Entergy Arkansas will power Google’s $4 billion investment, adding a 600‑MW solar and 350‑MW battery project and filing for regulator approval.

What it means: The contract shifts full facility energy costs to Google while Entergy says the deal will yield over $1.1 billion in net benefits over the contract life and lower rates for all customers by spreading fixed grid costs.

Why it matters: The announced 600‑MW solar plus 350‑MW storage strengthens generation diversity and resiliency, and the funding for local energy programs ($25 million) targets affordability and workforce development in Crittenden County.

Monitorable item: Entergy Arkansas has filed the new resource for approval with the Arkansas Public Service Commission; regulatory approval timing and authorized cost recovery are the near‑term items to watch.

Delivering big wins for customers and communities 

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Oct. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today at a joint community celebration with state and local leaders, Entergy Arkansas announced it will power Google's planned $4 billion technology investment in Arkansas.

Google's investment will focus on cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure, including the development of a new data center in West Memphis, Arkansas – the company's first facility in the state. Google also announced plans for a $25 million Energy Impact Fund to scale and accelerate energy affordability initiatives in Crittenden County and the surrounding area as the company shows its commitment to being a good community partner. The funds will go towards home weatherization, innovative energy efficiency technology and energy workforce development. 

"We're proud to be partnering with Google to bring unprecedented economic opportunity to Arkansas. Google's $4 billion investment in its new facility, its $25 million Energy Impact Fund, and its investment in the future of our students demonstrates what lasting community impacts aimed a project of this magnitude can have," said Entergy Arkansas President and CEO Laura Landreaux. "Entergy Arkansas is committed to powering growth and building a stronger, more vibrant future for the next generation and has found a partner in Google who shares this same vision."

Google will cover the full energy costs associated with powering the facility, which will contribute over $1.1 billion in net benefits over the life of the contract and help to reduce electricity rates for all Entergy Arkansas customers. Electric grids operate on economies of scale, so when large customers establish service to power a major new project, they help spread the utility's fixed costs to operate and maintain the grid over a wider customer base, driving down electricity prices for everyone.

The facility will be powered by Entergy Arkansas's strong existing generation power portfolio and transmission grid which will be bolstered by a new 600-megawatt solar project, backed by a 350-megawatt battery storage system that will be located in Jefferson County, Arkansas. Google will pay rates that cover the cost of this resource. Entergy Arkansas has filed this resource for approval with the Arkansas Public Service Commission, and the company's plans will ensure reliability of the system, strengthen the resiliency of the grid, and maintain affordability for customers.

Landreaux continued, "Large industrial and technology companies are increasingly looking at our state because we offer reliable power at affordable rates, and we plan to keep it that way. Large customers, such as Google, help support investments in infrastructure additions that not only help power their facilities but also result in improved grid reliability that benefit all customers."

"We're investing in a next-generation power portfolio and power grid to deliver reliable energy that supports jobs, strengthens communities and builds a brighter future for the next generation of Arkansans," Landreaux said. "Today's announcement demonstrates how the policies and frameworks enacted by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and the Arkansas General Assembly were critical to Entergy Arkansas meeting Google's power needs and this type of forward-thinking leadership is exactly what is needed to create economic growth."

About Entergy Arkansas
Entergy Arkansas, LLC provides electricity to approximately 735,000 customers in 63 counties. Entergy Arkansas is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation (NYSE: ETR). Entergy produces, transmits and distributes electricity to power life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We're investing for growth and improved reliability and resilience of our energy system while working to keep energy rates affordable for our customers. We're also investing in cleaner energy generation like modern natural gas, nuclear and renewable energy. A nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship, we deliver more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to the communities we serve through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is a Fortune 500 company headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. Learn more at entergyarkansas.com and connect with @EntergyARK on social media.

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SOURCE Entergy Corporation

FAQ

What did Entergy Arkansas announce about Google's $4 billion investment on Oct 2, 2025?

Entergy Arkansas said it will power Google's $4 billion cloud and AI investment, including a new West Memphis data center.

How much is Google's Energy Impact Fund announced with Entergy Arkansas (ETR)?

Google announced a $25 million Energy Impact Fund for Crittenden County energy affordability, weatherization, efficiency and workforce development.

What net benefit did Entergy Arkansas claim from powering Google's facility?

Entergy Arkansas stated the agreement will contribute over $1.1 billion in net benefits over the life of the contract.

What new generation resources did Entergy Arkansas file to support Google's data center?

Entergy filed for a 600 MW solar project backed by a 350 MW battery in Jefferson County to support the facility.

Will Google pay the energy costs for the Entergy Arkansas-powered facility (ETR)?

Yes. Google will cover the facility’s full energy costs under the agreement, per the announcement.

Is Entergy Arkansas' solar and battery plan approved for the Google project?

No. Entergy Arkansas has filed the resource plan with the Arkansas Public Service Commission; approval is pending.