When hyperscale data centers locate in the Gulf South region, every customer connected to the grid benefits. The data center projects that we power will create direct benefits not just for our other customers, but for residents of these states for generations to come.

High-tech partners = Lower cost power

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. Data center customers are also paying to connect their facilities to our grid. There is no mark-up cost to customers on the service we provide, including any charges for purchasing fuel to power our plants.

Infrastructure improvements that benefit all customers

Hyperscale data center customers are paying their fair share for the infrastructure additions and upgrades needed to power their facilities. Where some of these upgrades were already needed – for example to replace aging power plants – now new, more efficient modern power plants will be built that ultimately could save current customers billions of dollars on their electricity bills over their lifetimes, and we’ll see improved grid reliability for everyone.

In addition, the presence of these data center customers on the grid will lower the cost per customer of future infrastructure improvements by spreading these fixed costs across a larger customer base, reducing the impact on all customer bills.

New jobs and economic opportunities for our states

The decisions of these global tech giants to establish their new operations in the Gulf South region cast a new and brighter economic development spotlight on our states, helping them become preferred destinations for a new wave of high-tech industries.

The presence of such large operations in the states we serve will also bring new resources to support and uplift our communities, now and for generations to come. For example, Meta’s Richland Parish Data Center project is creating $200 million in investments to improve infrastructure including roads and water systems to support both its facility and the surrounding community.

Projects of this scale also produce billions in economic impact dollars that go back into their local communities, including millions in new state and local tax revenue that will bolster investments in infrastructure and public services like roads, hospitals and schools. These investments also generate high-paying job opportunities, training for individuals so that they can qualify for those new positions, and workforce development. For example, Amazon’s planned $10 billion data center investment is estimated to generate $30 billion toward the state of Mississippi’s gross domestic product.

Increased community investment and charitable giving

These companies are also committed to investing in the people and communities in which they are located – better workforce development and training resources, investments in STEM education, and charitable contributions that directly serve residents.

For example, as part of our service agreement, Meta has pledged to annually match $1 million in shareholder contributions to The Power to Care, our bill payment assistance program for vulnerable customers, and to provide funds to improve educational resources in the state of Louisiana through its Data Center Community Action Grant program.