Cleco speaks out on power grid concerns regarding Rapides Parish’s new data center
Cleco, the utility company for a new Applied Digital data center in Boyce, Rapides Parish, addressed public concerns about the project's impact on electricity rates and grid stability. Cleco stated that residential rates would not increase and that large customers would bear the cost of infrastructure improvements, leading to more reliable service for all.
The Applied Digital data center in Boyce, Rapides Parish, Louisiana, has sparked a heated debate over the past two months since its announcement, primarily concerning its potential impact on the local power grid and electricity rates. Cleco, the company responsible for powering the facility, has issued a statement to address these public concerns.
Cleco highlighted that Louisiana boasts some of the country's most favorable electricity rates, with Cleco customers benefiting from the fourth-lowest retail power costs in America. The utility assured residents that they do not anticipate this advantageous position to change due to the new data center. They further explained that major companies requiring significant infrastructure investments are expected to cover a substantial portion of these costs.
Ultimately, Cleco asserts that the data center will not lead to higher monthly bills for existing customers. Instead, the company believes the necessary infrastructure improvements will result in a more robust and reliable power grid, positively benefiting all Cleco customers.