Entergy’s plan to serve this project is rushed, risky, and incomplete. Their application underestimates the transmission challenges, glosses over critical reliability concerns, and offers little assurance that residents won’t be stuck paying the price for a deal made behind closed doors.
Entergy’s application to build 3 new gas plants at a cost of $3.2 Billion to power Meta’s new data center is currently under review by the Louisiana Public Service Commission, docket U-37425.
Entergy Louisiana customers are the most at risk for the costs of these projects, but even Cleco, Entergy New Orleans, and co-operative utility customers will feel the impacts on their bills as the enormous amount of energy Meta’s data center will use will almost certainly increase the cost of energy on the market (which shows up on your bill as fuel costs) and the three new fossil fuel power plants will make us even more reliant on a single fuel source, gas. Think about it like this, if the cost of milk goes up on the milk market, it doesn’t matter if you buy your milk from Stonnyfield or Organic Valley, the price is higher than it was last month.
SWEPCO customers because you’re part of a different energy market, SPP, your greatest risk is the precedent that this deal and process sets for how all Louisiana ratepayers will be expected to foot the bill for big tech projects like this.
Tell your Public Service Commissioner and Louisiana residents shouldn’t pay the price for Big Tech’s power grab. Before this project moves forward we need a cost cap, full transparency, more technical analysis, a commitment to pursue cleaner options, and a plan that works for people, not just profits.
Not sure where to start or what to say? Use our template below.
If you are unsure who your LPSC Commissioner is you can find out using the Secretary of State Voter Portal or the District Map here. Commissioners contact information can be found below.
Hello,
My name is [Your Full Name], and I am a resident of [District #] in Louisiana. I’m writing/calling to express my concern regarding Entergy’s proposal to build three new natural gas plants to power Meta’s data center being constructed near Monroe, docket U-37425, and to urge the Public Service Commission to prioritize ratepayers like me over big tech interests.
This process has been clouded by confidentiality agreements and is being rushed through at the expense of residents. I want you to heavily consider the financial and environmental impact of such large and hasty natural gas expansion in order to power a data center that is projected to bring little, if any benefit to the surrounding communities and our state. There aren’t even assurances by Meta that the jobs are going to Louisiana residents.
Entergy stands to make hundreds of millions of dollars in profits off this agreement while customers like me are left without assurances that we won’t be left footing Entergy and Meta’s bills. At the very least I ask that you include a cost cap to prevent Entergy from spending more than they say they will.
*If you’re not an Entergy Louisiana customer we recommend including the statement below as well.
As a constituent who cares deeply about the cost of living, I believe the Commission has a vital responsibility to ensure our utility systems serve the public interest instead of utilities’ shareholders. Decisions made by the LPSC today will shape our state’s future for decades to come. There is no reason to rush this vote other than to avoid having to answer hard questions. I urge you to delay this vote to October as originally planned.
Thank you for your service and for considering the views of constituents. I welcome the opportunity to follow up and discuss this issue.
Sincerely
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
*While I am not an Entergy Louisiana customer, as a customer of [Entergy New Orleans/Cleco/Co-op] I know this will impact my bill as well as it will almost certainly increase the cost of energy on the market.
