Meta is building a $10 billion AI data center in Richland Parish and state economic development officials say more data centers are on the way. That is why a new task force has begun meeting to make sure Louisiana has enough power to provide electricity for everyone. Louisiana Senate President Cameron Henry says it’s a valid question to ask.
“As these data centers come on and require an enormous amount of power, if those companies are going to provide that power, is it going to draw from Louisiana’s current businesses?” Henry asked.
Entergy Louisiana broke ground this week on two new power plants in Rayville that will support Meta’s AI data center. Entergy says Meta is paying for the state-of-the-art generation facilities, but environmental groups have raised concerns that the data centers will lead to higher energy costs for everyone. Henry says that’s what they want to find out with this task force.
“If my rates are going up solely because of the data center in North Louisiana, whoever’s providing that power is increasing their profits on my back. I think the people of Jefferson Parish and Orleans Parish that are represented would probably have some problems with that,” Henry said.
Henry says energy costs are going up nationwide and one of the driving forces behind that is the consumption of power by data centers. He says the task force will produce its findings to the Senate by March 1.
“We’ll have a good review of what the rules and regulations are, make sure that Louisiana is prepared to grow like we want it to grow. And if not, we’ll make some adjustments,” Henry said.
