Is the future data-driven?: LEDC panel weighs data center impact on local communities

The Livingston Economic Development Council (LEDC) convened a panel on April 7, 2026, to explore the potential impacts and benefits of data centers on surrounding parishes in Louisiana. The discussion, featuring experts like Devin Harrison from Louisiana Economic Development, Stephen Swiber from the Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy, Mark Phillips from DEMCO, and Melanie Joffrion from Entergy, aimed to address common questions regarding data center operations. The panelists discussed the significant power and water requirements of data centers. Phillips stated that facilities could consume between 10 megawatts and 1,000 megawatts (1 gigawatt), with Joffrion clarifying that one gigawatt is equivalent to the power usage of 1,000 Costco stores. Entergy requires partners developing such large facilities to adhere to stringent service agreements, ensuring upfront investments and grid reliability. Phillips also emphasized that developers are responsible for 100 percent of infrastructure costs, preventing any burden on existing utility customers. On water usage, Swiber noted that Louisiana had recently added water to its list of natural resources, increasing protections and regulations. He highlighted efforts to develop a water inventory procedure to assess and manage data center water demands proactively, underscoring industry's desire to avoid water availability issues. Water consumption varies based on cooling systems, with some facilities requiring millions of gallons daily while others use closed-loop systems with minimal water needs. LEDC President Melody Lockwood concluded by reaffirming the council's commitment to prioritizing community welfare. The panel clarified that while discussions were general, a $2 billion deal had been made between Entergy and Meta for programming related to a broader data center grid, though no specific data center project is currently planned for Livingston Parish.