Entergy Louisiana breaks ground on new, state-of-the-art generation facilities to power reliability, growth and innovation

Rhea-AI Summary

Entergy Louisiana (NYSE:ETR) broke ground Dec 1, 2025 on two new combined-cycle combustion turbine plants in Richland Parish to add approximately 1,500 MW of efficient natural gas generation capacity. The projects follow Louisiana PSC approval and are tied to expedited interconnection work to meet faster market needs. Meta's nearby data center will fund full interconnection costs and is expected to support over 5,000 construction and 500 operational jobs; Meta's contributions are projected to deliver about $650 million in customer bill savings over 15 years. Construction starts immediately with both plants expected operational by late 2028.

Positive

• 1,500 MW new generation capacity
• $650 million projected customer savings over 15 years
• Meta funds full interconnection costs preventing customer cost-shift
• 5,000 construction and 500 operational jobs tied to Meta data center
• Operational target by late 2028

Negative

• None.

Insights

Energy infrastructure analyst

New 1,500 MW combined-cycle build plus a Meta interconnection promises reliability gains and customer bill reductions over 15 years.

The project adds about 1,500 megawatts of modern combined-cycle combustion turbine capacity and an expedited interconnection process to serve load growth and a large data center. The business mechanism is straightforward: new high-efficiency generation increases available firm capacity and operational flexibility while a customer-funded interconnection (Meta pays full interconnection costs) reduces rate pressure on other customers. The release cites projected capital spending, thousands of construction and technology jobs, and specific customer savings of $650 million over 15 years.

Key dependencies and risks are regulatory approvals, construction execution, and timing. Completion is conditional on the construction schedule and the interconnection study process working as planned. Cost, permitting, supply-chain or labor delays could shift the completion window and affect when the stated savings and reliability benefits materialize. The claimed $650 million customer savings depend on Meta's contributions and the allocation mechanisms described; those mechanics constrain cost-shifting but rely on the final regulatory terms being upheld.

Concrete items to watch: progress against the stated in-service target of late 2028, filings or orders that detail the funding/ratemaking mechanics, and milestones from the expedited interconnection study. Monitor published capital-spend schedules and any updated customer-impact estimates over the next 36 months to confirm whether the projected $650 million in savings and the timeline remain intact.

Units will position Louisiana to lead the way on energy and AI dominance and deliver over $650 million in customer savings over the next 15 years

RAYVILLE, La., Dec. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Entergy Louisiana broke ground in Richland Parish to mark the start of construction on a pair of new combined-cycle combustion turbine generation facilities recently approved by the Louisiana Public Service Commission. The Franklin Farms Power Station represents a significant investment in modern energy infrastructure designed to strengthen reliability, power economic expansion in north Louisiana, and deliver significant economic benefits — including billions in capital investment, thousands of construction and technology jobs, and lasting value for local communities and Entergy customers statewide.

The project underscores Entergy Louisiana's commitment to delivering modern, efficient and dependable energy solutions for the state's communities, industries and digital future. Together, the two power plants will add approximately 1,500 megawatts of highly efficient natural gas generation capacity. The two plants are part of a new expedited interconnection study process to ensure Louisiana can meet the speed to market needed in a power-first world.

The new CCCT facilities will feature modern, highly efficient technology that uses less fuel to produce more power, resulting in lower emissions and improved system reliability. This next-generation infrastructure will help Entergy Louisiana meet growing energy demands, provide operational flexibility to integrate renewable resources, and ensure customers continue to benefit from low-cost and dependable service.

"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," said Phillip May, Entergy Louisiana president and CEO. "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."

"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."

"Truly a bright day for northeast Louisiana," said Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell. "I am glad to help play a small part in this economic opportunity." 

Powering Louisiana's digital economy
Meta's new, state-of-the-art data center in north Louisiana is one of the largest investments in the region's history and is expected to support over 5,000 construction jobs and 500 operational jobs (once completed), and long-term economic opportunities to the state. These new generation facilities will play a critical role in supporting this development, but also ensuring all of Entergy's customers have access to reliable, resilient, and sustainable power.

Recently recognized at the inaugural Louisiana Energy Awards, this collaboration between Entergy Louisiana and Meta reflects a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community advancement. By aligning energy infrastructure with digital growth, the partnership strengthens Louisiana's position as a hub for data-driven industries while promoting cleaner, more efficient energy use.

Customer benefits
Entergy Louisiana customers will benefit directly from Meta's operations in Louisiana, through lower energy costs and enhanced system resilience. Once operational, Meta's contributions to costs otherwise paid by all customers are expected to reduce customer bills. In particular, Meta is expected to lower customer storm charges by an average of approximately 10% and lower the bill impacts of resilience upgrades for customers by a similar amount. Over the 15-year agreement, Meta's contributions toward Entergy's system costs — including storm recovery — are projected to save customers approximately $650 million, helping keep bills lower across Louisiana.

Under the terms of the agreement, Meta will fund the full cost of the utility infrastructure required to interconnect and serve its Richland Parish data center. This structure, consistent with regulatory measures designed to protect consumers, prevents cost-shifting to other customers. In addition, the new generation resources being added to Entergy Louisiana's system will be among the most efficient in the state, providing additional fuel savings and long-term reliability benefits for customers statewide.

Investing in communities and economic growth
Beyond powering Louisiana's economic growth, these projects will deliver lasting benefits to local communities through job creation, increased tax revenues, and enhanced system reliability. Construction and long-term operation of the new facilities will generate significant economic activity in Richland Parish and surrounding areas, while improved grid performance will reduce outages and support future business expansion.

"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," said May. "Together, we are building the foundation for Louisiana's energy future—one that supports growth, innovation, and opportunity for all."

Construction on the two Richland Parish facilities will begin immediately following the groundbreaking, with both projects expected to be completed and operational by late 2028.

About Entergy Louisiana
Entergy Louisiana provides electricity to more than 1.1 million customers in 58 parishes. Entergy Louisiana 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 EntergyLouisiana.com and connect with @EntergyLA on social media.

About the Louisiana 100 Plan
The Louisiana 100 Plan is Entergy Louisiana's bold, decade-long commitment to power progress across the state in honor of a century of service. Entergy has outlined six strategic goals focused on affordability, grid resilience, economic growth, job creation, community investment and volunteerism. Through this plan, Entergy aims to help keep residential electric rates low, strengthen infrastructure to withstand extreme weather, attract new industry and jobs and invest $100 million in Louisiana communities. The Louisiana 100 Plan is a clear roadmap for building a stronger, more resilient Louisiana learn more at EntergyLouisiana.com/100-plan.

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SOURCE Entergy Corporation

FAQ

How much capacity will Entergy Louisiana add with the new plants (ETR)?

The two combined-cycle plants will add approximately 1,500 MW of generation capacity.

What customer savings does Entergy Louisiana expect from the Meta agreement?

Meta's contributions are projected to save customers about $650 million over 15 years, including roughly 10% lower storm charges.

When are Entergy Louisiana's new Richland Parish plants expected to be operational (ETR)?

Construction begins immediately after groundbreaking with both projects expected operational by late 2028.

Will Entergy Louisiana ratepayers pay for Meta's interconnection costs?

No; under the agreement Meta will fund the full cost of the utility infrastructure required to interconnect its Richland Parish data center.

How will the new generation affect reliability and renewable integration for Entergy Louisiana (ETR)?

The modern CCCT plants are designed to improve system reliability, use less fuel per megawatt, lower emissions, and provide flexibility to integrate renewables.

What economic impact will the projects have on north Louisiana?

The announcement cites billions in capital investment and significant local economic activity, plus thousands of construction and technology jobs tied to the developments.