RAYVILLE, La. – Entergy Louisiana has broken ground in Richland Parish to mark the start of construction on two new combined cycle combustion turbine power generation facilities recently approved by the Louisiana Public Service Commission. The Franklin Farms power plant represents a significant investment in modern energy infrastructure designed to enhance reliability, drive economic expansion in north Louisiana, and deliver significant economic benefits, including billions in capital investment, thousands of construction and technology jobs, and lasting value to local communities and Entergy customers across the state.
This project highlights Entergy Louisiana’s commitment to providing modern, efficient and reliable energy solutions for Louisiana’s communities, industry and digital future. Together, the two plants will add approximately 1,500 megawatts of high-efficiency natural gas generation capacity. The two power plants are part of a new rapid interconnection review process to ensure Louisiana can meet the speed to market required in an electricity-first world.
The new CCCT facility will feature the latest high-efficiency technology to generate more power with less fuel, 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, reliable service.
“These facilities represent the next step in Entergy Louisiana’s long-term strategy to modernize our generation fleet and provide reliable, cost-effective power to our customers,” said Entergy Louisiana President and CEO Phillip May. “By investing in efficient technology and robust infrastructure, we will ensure that Louisiana remains a competitive and attractive place to live, work and do business, now and in the future.”
“I also want to thank our partners in local and state government, the Franklin family, and our community for coming together to ensure the success of this historic project.”
“It’s a really bright day for Northeast Louisiana,” said Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell. “We are pleased to be able to make a small contribution to this economic opportunity.”
Strengthening 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 more than 5,000 construction jobs and 500 operational jobs (once completed), creating long-term economic opportunities for the state. These new generation facilities will not only play a key role in supporting this development, but will also ensure that all Entergy 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, this partnership will advance cleaner and more efficient energy use while strengthening Louisiana’s position as a hub for data-driven industries.
Customer benefits
Entergy Louisiana customers will directly benefit from Meta’s operations in Louisiana through reduced energy costs and increased system resiliency. Once operational, Meta’s contribution to the costs paid by all customers is expected to reduce customer bills. Specifically, Meta is expected to reduce customers’ storm charges by approximately 10% on average and reduce the billing impact of customers’ resiliency upgrades by the same amount. Over the course of the 15-year agreement, Meta’s contribution to Entergy’s system costs, including storm restoration, is projected to save customers approximately $650 million and lead to bill reductions across Louisiana.
Under the terms of the agreement, Meta will fund the entire cost of the public infrastructure needed to interconnect and service Richland Parish’s data centers. This structure is consistent with regulatory measures designed to protect consumers and prevents costs from being passed on to other customers. Additionally, 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 to customers across the state.
Investing in communities and economic growth
These projects not only foster economic growth in Louisiana, but also provide lasting benefits to local communities through job creation, increased tax revenue, and improved system reliability. The construction and long-term operation of the new facility will generate significant economic activity for Richland Parish and the surrounding region, while improved grid performance will reduce power outages and support future business expansion.
“Entergy Louisiana’s partnership with Meta and local leaders demonstrates that strategic energy investments can foster economic development and strengthen the communities we serve,” May said. “Together, we are building the foundation for Louisiana’s energy future: growth, innovation, and opportunity for all.”
Construction on the two Richland Parish facilities will begin immediately after groundbreaking, and both projects are expected to be completed and operational by the end of 2028.
About Entergy Louisiana
Entergy Louisiana provides power to more than 1.1 million customers in 58 parishes. Entergy Louisiana is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation (NYSE: ETR). Entergy powers, produces, transmits and distributes electricity to the lives of 3 million customers through operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We invest in growing our energy systems and making them more reliable and resilient, while working to help our customers maintain affordable energy rates. We also invest in clean energy generation, including modern natural gas, nuclear power, and renewable energy. Nationally recognized as a leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship, we generate more than $100 million in economic benefit to the communities we serve each year 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 celebrates Entergy Louisiana’s 100 years of service and is a bold 10-year initiative to drive progress across the state. Entergy has outlined six strategic goals focused on affordability, grid resiliency, economic growth, job creation, community investment, and volunteerism. Through this plan, Entergy aims to lower residential energy bills, strengthen infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events, attract new industry and jobs, and invest $100 million in Louisiana communities. The Louisiana 100 Plan is a clear roadmap to building a stronger, more resilient Louisiana. For more information, visit EntergyLouisiana.com/100-plan.
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Brandon Scardilli
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