The Louisiana Public Service Commission has approved a landmark agreement that paves the way for Entergy Louisiana to move forward with major infrastructure investments tied to Meta’s new data center in Richland Parish.

This approval clears the path for significant enhancements to the state’s electric grid that will benefit all Entergy Louisiana customers and prepare the system for future energy needs, as well as new Meta/Facebook data centers and facilities.

The agreement allows Entergy Louisiana to construct three new modern combined cycle gas turbine generation plants. Two in Richland Parish are expected to come online in late 2028. The third facility, at Entergy’s existing Waterford site in St. Charles Parish, should be operational by the end of 2029.

In addition, Entergy Louisiana will build several transmission facilities to serve Meta’s data center and strengthen system reliability across its service area. As part of the approval, the Commission also authorized Entergy to obtain up to 1,500 MW of solar resources through an expedited certification process.

“These investments will help power one of the most advanced data centers in the world and will also reinforce our grid, create economic opportunity and support a more sustainable energy future across Louisiana,” said Phillip May, Entergy Louisiana president and CEO.

“Importantly, Meta is paying its share of the costs for the infrastructure needed to support its operations, ensuring that other customers are protected from those expenses.”