Meta, Entergy in deal to triple power to Hyperion data center

Meta Platforms Inc. is significantly expanding the power infrastructure for its $27-billion Hyperion Data Center project in Richland Parish, Louisiana. A revised agreement with Entergy Louisiana, building upon an initial August 2025 approval by the Louisiana Public Service Commission, will see Meta fund the construction of seven additional natural gas-fired power plants, bringing the total to ten, alongside 2.5 gigawatts of new solar capacity. This expansion will add 5.2 gigawatts of gas-fired power to the state's grid, aiming for a total of 7.7 gigawatts, which is approximately seven times the peak demand of New Orleans. Entergy Louisiana President and CEO Phillip May stated the deal reflects strong partnerships and promises $2.65 billion in consumer benefits, up from $650 million, and 240 miles of new high-voltage transmission lines. The project is notable as the first to utilize the Commission's new "Lightning Amendment," a regulatory framework designed for accelerated approval of large-scale infrastructure projects to meet AI demands. However, the rapid approval process and the project's complex financial structure have sparked considerable controversy. Critics, including Commissioner Davante Lewis, who cast the sole dissenting vote against the Lightning Amendment, and groups like the Alliance for Affordable Energy, warn of "generational risk" to local ratepayers. Concerns stem from the 15-year power agreement potentially leaving Louisiana households responsible for remaining costs of the 30-year lifespan gas plants if Meta exits early. These worries are amplified by Meta's sale of an 80% stake in the data center to private equity firm Blue Owl Capital, an arrangement critics argue could allow Meta to exit its lease every four years. The Louisiana Public Service Commission recently declined to formally investigate this ownership change.