Meta’s plan to build a massive $10 billion artificial intelligence (AI) data center in northeast Louisiana has received regulatory approval from the state Public Service Commission. The commission voted 4-1 in favor of Entergy’s three new gas plants, designed to power the facility.
The 70 football field-sized data center will require approximately 2,500 megawatts of electricity, consuming roughly three times as much energy as the entire city of New Orleans annually. Entergy officials claim they are taking a proactive approach by building separate natural gas power plants instead of relying on grid additions.
However, critics argue that the deal with Meta excludes $550 billion in transmission line costs for the data center. The Alliance for Affordable Energy claims that Entergy is shouldering this burden and could pass it on to customers.
Opponents have raised concerns about uncertainty surrounding who will bear the cost if gas prices fluctuate. Supporters counter that this risk is part of ensuring public interest, as the increased demand may impact future gas prices.
Source: https://www.kplctv.com/2025/08/21/entergy-la-gets-green-light-plant-power-metas-ai-data-center