Regulators allow Meta to keep data center records secret
Louisiana regulators have voted to allow Meta to keep records secret regarding tax breaks and energy agreements for its massive data center in Richland Parish. Transparency advocates are concerned about the public potentially footing the bill for the data center's high energy consumption, which will exceed that of New Orleans.
The Louisiana Public Service Commission has voted to allow Meta to keep information secret regarding its data center in Richland Parish. This decision follows a battle for transparency concerning tax breaks and secret agreements made between the state and Meta.
Transparency advocates expressed concerns that these secret agreements could leave taxpayers responsible for electricity costs associated with Meta's data center, which is projected to consume more power than the entire city of New Orleans. They demanded access to specific data, particularly regarding a partnership with "Energy" for seven new power generators. Previously, a judge had ruled that Meta must make some records public, but Meta appealed this ruling.
At the Public Service Commission meeting, only one commissioner voted to make the information public, effectively upholding Meta's secrecy. Opponents argue that without full data, the public cannot properly assess the long-term risks and financial implications, especially concerning who will bear the cost if Meta's energy usage is lower than projected. The commission is expected to vote on Energy's plan for the new power generators in December.