Entergy Louisiana to Power Meta's Data Center in Richland Parish

Investment in new infrastructure will transform Northeast Louisiana economy for generations

Entergy Louisiana is excited to share its plans for a significant investment aimed at modernizing and enhancing the electrical infrastructure in Northeast Louisiana. The company plans to invest $10 billion to support Meta's new data center in Richland Parish, which will be Meta's largest facility, covering over 4 million square feet.

This major initiative is expected to bring a wave of economic revitalization to Northeast Louisiana. It will create job opportunities, improve infrastructure, and trigger considerable economic development, opening the door for additional projects in the area.

"Today marks a pivotal moment for Northeast Louisiana," stated Phillip May, president and CEO of Entergy Louisiana. "This investment goes beyond infrastructure; it's about nurturing the people, businesses, and communities throughout our state. Collaborating with Meta on this project exemplifies our commitment to shaping a prosperous future for the region for many years ahead."

Continuing the legacy of innovation established by Entergy's founder, Harvey Couch, nearly 100 years ago, Entergy Louisiana is dedicated to fostering community growth by developing state-of-the-art electric infrastructure. This undertaking lays a solid foundation for economic success in a region that has faced challenges such as population decline.

Strategic Site Selection

The data center will be constructed at the Franklin Farm mega site, a certified location spanning over 1,400 acres in Richland Parish, which is ideally situated near existing utility resources and major transportation routes. Entergy Louisiana actively promoted this site through its Site Selection Center and GoEntergy platforms to highlight its potential for large-scale development.

"We’re not just powering a facility; we’re strengthening the entire community," added May. "From job creation to infrastructure enhancements, this partnership with Meta showcases the remarkable outcomes possible when visionary companies partner with committed communities for a better future."

Economic Impact

Meta has announced its substantial investment in the new data center optimized for artificial intelligence, which is expected to deliver significant economic benefits to Louisiana. Beyond the investment from Meta, Entergy Louisiana's development will also foster job growth and community support.

During the construction phase, Entergy Louisiana anticipates the creation of numerous jobs, which include:

• 1,500 to 1,800 construction jobs for the new generation facilities
• 3,500 to 5,000 construction jobs related to the substations and transmission system upgrades
• 44 permanent jobs once the facilities are operational

This development will greatly benefit Richland Parish, a region known for its agricultural heritage and strong community traditions.

Infrastructure to Power Progress

To enable the Richland Parish Data Center and foster broader economic development across the state, Entergy Louisiana will implement several key infrastructure projects:

• Construct three combined-cycle combustion turbines, generating a total of 2,260 megawatts, with two turbines situated in Richland Parish
• Build two Entergy-owned substations and six customer-owned substations
• Install nearly 100 miles of 500kV transmission lines alongside eight new 230kV lines
• Upgrade existing infrastructure, including improvements to a substation near Sterlington

Upon receiving regulatory approval, the new generators are projected to operational by 2028 to 2029.

Shared Costs and Community Benefits

Revenue generated from Meta's investment will significantly help offset the costs required to provide electrical service to the data center and enhance local utilities. Additionally, Meta will contribute to operating costs, including Formula Rate Plan costs, storm damage protection costs, and resilience costs, which is anticipated to save current customers over $300 million. Meta has also committed to donating $1 million to Entergy's The Power to Care initiative to aid elderly residents and individuals with disabilities in managing their utility bills.

Commitment to Sustainability

Both Meta and Entergy Louisiana are dedicated to sustainable practices. The new generation facilities will start with the capacity to use 30% hydrogen fuel, with the potential to transition to 100% hydrogen and include carbon capture and sequestration technologies in the future.

Moreover, Meta has pledged to help finance carbon capture and sequestration technology at an Entergy plant in Lake Charles, and invest in 1,500 megawatts of new solar and storage resources, supporting Entergy Louisiana's aim to add 3 gigawatts of solar power. In addition, both companies are considering nuclear energy and other renewable sources as part of their long-term energy strategies.

About Entergy Louisiana

Entergy Louisiana, LLC delivers electric services to over 1 million customers across 58 parishes and provides natural gas services to over 94,000 customers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. As a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation (NYSE: ETR), a Fortune 500 company, Entergy Louisiana plays a critical role in powering about 3 million customers through operations in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. The company is focused on enhancing the reliability and resilience of the energy system while transitioning to cleaner, more effective energy solutions. With a strong community presence for over 100 years, Entergy is recognized nationally for its commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility, having delivered over $100 million in annual economic benefits to local communities since 2018 through various philanthropic initiatives, volunteering, and advocacy efforts. Entergy's headquarters is in New Orleans, Louisiana, and it employs approximately 12,000 individuals.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This article may contain forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, outlining Entergy Louisiana's planned investments and operational forecasts. Readers are advised to approach these statements with caution as they may not be realized due to numerous factors, including market changes, regulatory proceedings, and unforeseen events.

Investment, Infrastructure, Sustainability