Entergy CEO Reveals Meta Data Center’s Massive Power Demand in Louisiana Hearing
Entergy Louisiana CEO Phillip May inadvertently revealed that Meta's planned data center in Richland Parish will require 4,500 megawatts of electricity, a demand previously considered confidential and equivalent to about four times the peak usage of New Orleans. The disclosure…
Lake Charles, LA, October 7, 2026 —
A substantial electricity demand for Meta’s planned data center in Richland Parish, Louisiana, was inadvertently disclosed by Entergy Louisiana CEO Phillip May. The projected requirement of 4,500 megawatts (MW) significantly exceeds previously understood figures and was revealed during a public hearing concerning Entergy’s proposed infrastructure investments needed to power the facility.
The energy demand is notably high, comparable to approximately four times the peak electricity usage of New Orleans. This disclosure positions the Richland Parish data center as one of the largest single electricity consumers in the region.
The information emerged during a hearing addressing Entergy’s plans to upgrade and expand its electrical infrastructure to meet the substantial needs of the proposed Meta facility. Details regarding the specific infrastructure investments and their associated costs were part of the proceedings.
The exact nature of the proposed investments by Entergy Louisiana to service this large-scale demand, including timelines and specific project scopes, were discussed. The contractor’s name involved in the project was not provided in the summary.
The specific fine amounts or permit status related to this disclosure or the data center project were not detailed in the provided summary.
Story summarized from the original created by American Press Staff on americanpress.com, see more information here.
Media gallery
