Will Meta’s AI Data Center Raise Your Power Bills in Shreveport?

It seems AI isn't going anywhere anytime soon, as Meta gets ready to set up a $50 billion data center in Louisiana. The project could have massive benefits for the local economy, but the power required would be double the entire city of New Orleans' power usage on a hot day. As plans come together, many worry that the cost of an increased power load could lead to rising power bills. Are Shreveport residents about to see their power bills rise to pay for Meta?

Entergy's Plan to Power a Meta Data Center in Louisiana

Because of how much power Meta's data center will require, one of Louisiana's key energy suppliers, Entergy, is looking to build new natural gas power plants and upgraded transmission lines to handle the increased power load. The Louisiana Public Service Commission approved the plan for Entergy to construct 3 new generators.

Many have pointed out that the deal between Meta and Entergy has costs that are likely to end up on Louisiana residents' power bills, especially if Meta doesn't resign the gas plant contract. If Meta ditches the deal, the Bayou State would face a $3.2 billion operational cost $3.2 billion.

Shreveport's Power Bills: Why You Won't Be Affected

If the oncoming power plants and data center are to result in power bills rising, how much can Shreveport (and Bossier City) residents expect to pay? The answer is, no more than they already do. For one, Entergy has assured its power customers that the cost won't be dropped on them because Meta is "paying its share."

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Shreveport, Bossier City, and most of the surrounding area are provided power by Southwest Electric Power Company, not Entergy. Meta's new facility is planned for Richland Parish, where Entergy is the largest power utility company in the region. So for now, Shreveport can relax knowing the only thing adding to their power bill is the air conditioning that can't be turned off until winter.