With recent approval by the Louisiana Public Service Commission, Meta will soon join our grid. This allows Entergy Louisiana to build several new transmission and three new modern, efficient generation facilities in a way that not only serves Meta’s future data center but also strengthens reliability and resiliency across our service area and keeps rates low for all of our customers.
When Meta chose to expand into Louisiana, the initial indication pointed to a $10 billion investment. Construction of these facilities are expected to produce $50 million of state sales tax and over the next 25 years Meta’s projects are estimated to provide $800 million in property tax. Not to mention, the addition of thousands of new jobs and a projected $40 million in annual wages for Louisianans, once operational.
This is a game-changer for our state, because such interest in our region opens the door for other future economic development projects – especially in the high-tech sector. It’s also a big win for our customers with Meta paying their way so that all other Entergy Louisiana customers are protected from expenses incurred to support their operations.
And once fully operational, Meta will contribute even more – helping to fund $1.9 billion in planned grid improvements while lowering what customers pay for reliability upgrades by approximately 10% as well as storm recovery costs by approximately 10%.
Economic development at this scale takes partnership and forward-thinking from our elected officials, business leaders and community advocates to turn an idea into a project of this magnitude. We’re proud to have played a part, too. As written in our Louisiana 100 Plan, we’re ready to provide electricity and help our state recruit $100 billion in new business and 100,000 new jobs in the next decade.
Meta’s data center will be one of the most advanced in the world, and with Entergy Louisiana’s investment in grid enhancements, our state will be better positioned for decades of growth. These upgrades will support new jobs, new industries and new opportunities.
But this is about more than one company’s arrival. It’s about Louisiana proving that we can welcome more major global players on fair terms, protect existing customers and still come out stronger. Meta’s decision to build here is a vote of confidence in our state, our people, our infrastructure and our future – and it’s one we should all celebrate.
Phillip May
President and CEO, Entergy Louisiana
Source: Grow NELA Regional Report
