Meta Platforms has entered into a new agreement with Entergy Louisiana that will deliver approximately $2 billion in customer savings while supporting the buildout of energy infrastructure for one of the largest AI data center projects in the United States.
The agreement is tied to Meta’s hyperscale data center development in Northeast Louisiana. Under the structure of the deal, Meta will pay its full cost of service, ensuring that the infrastructure required to support the data center does not shift costs onto other utility customers.
The new agreement builds on a previously announced arrangement between the companies and is expected to generate approximately $2.65 billion in total customer benefits over time, combining $2 billion from the latest deal with $650 million previously disclosed.
The project represents a major expansion of energy infrastructure in the region, including new generation capacity, transmission upgrades and storage investments. Entergy Louisiana plans to construct seven new natural gas-fired combined-cycle power plants totaling more than 5.2 gigawatts, alongside transmission lines, battery storage systems and potential nuclear and renewable energy developments. Meta is also supporting up to 2,500 megawatts of additional solar capacity and exploring nuclear energy solutions as part of the broader energy strategy.
Beyond infrastructure, the agreement includes funding commitments aimed at community and customer benefits. Meta will contribute $120 million, including matching funds, to Entergy’s Power to Care program and $140 million toward energy efficiency initiatives for vulnerable customers. These investments are designed to reduce energy costs, improve grid resilience and expand access to cleaner energy resources.
The data center project is expected to serve as a major economic driver for Louisiana, particularly in Richland Parish and surrounding areas. It is projected to create thousands of construction jobs between 2026 and 2031, along with long-term employment opportunities in engineering, maintenance and operations. The development is also anticipated to increase tax revenues and support public services, workforce development and regional economic growth.
The agreement comes as demand for power-intensive AI infrastructure accelerates, with large technology companies increasingly investing directly in energy generation and grid capacity to support their expanding data center footprints.
KEY QUOTES:
“This agreement reflects what’s possible when strong partners align around long-term growth and value. Working with our customers, regulators and state leaders, we are making targeted investments that strengthen reliability, support economic development and deliver meaningful benefits to customers, all while keeping energy rates affordable, which aligns perfectly with Meta’s Ratepayer Protection Pledge and Entergy’s Fair Share Plus pledge.”
Phillip May, President And CEO, Entergy Louisiana
“Our Richland Parish data center serves as a symbol of the ambition and scale of next-generation AI infrastructure. With the potential to scale up to 5GW, we are building foundations for the future of AI innovation right here in the United States. We’ve been working closely with Entergy since early on-site planning to ensure our power needs are met and, importantly, so that Entergy’s other consumers aren’t paying our costs. Entergy’s filing for new energy generation represents one of several factors needed to move an expansion of this project forward, demonstrates the business-friendly environment in Louisiana that makes projects like this possible and aligns with the principles in the recently signed White House Ratepayer Protection Plans.”
Rachel Peterson, Vice President, Data Centers, Meta
“Today, Louisiana once again demonstrates our commitment to capital and job creation. I want to express my gratitude to Mark Zuckerberg, the Meta team, and Entergy for showcasing how growth in this field can be achieved while prioritizing consumer interests. Their policy has set a precedent that should become the norm, not the exception.”
Jeff Landry, Governor Of Louisiana
