US EditionLouisiana to Fast-Track New Power Plants Serving Data Centers
The Louisiana Public Service Commission aims to attract major employers by fast-tracking electricity permits, targeting decisions within eight months, aligning with the state’s economic growth plans.
- On Wednesday, the Louisiana Public Service Commission approved a directive to fast-track new electricity generation for major industrial projects including data centers, with staff aiming for a commission vote within eight months.
- With major projects announced, state leaders sought faster timelines aligned with Gov. Jeff Landry's Louisiana Lightning Speed Initiative, including Anthropic's $10 billion data center and Meta and Hyundai's $5.8 billion investments.
- Commissioner Jean-Paul Coussan's directive allows utilities to bypass the market-based mechanism used since the 1980s, removes some quick-approval requirements, and requires companies to secure a letter from Louisiana Economic Development, sign a 15-year contract, and pay half of infrastructure costs.
- Entergy told regulators it expects to spend at least $498 million on Hyundai's steel plant and is building three gas-fired plants, while consumer and advocacy groups warned the change could shift costs onto ratepayers.
- Proponents argue these projects could reshape Louisiana's power grid, land and water use, and rate structure for decades, while 33 states have adopted similar frameworks for large electric loads.
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louisianafirstnews.comLouisiana fast-tracks power approvals for major employers
The Louisiana Public Service Commission has adopted the Lightning Amendment to expedite power approvals for major employers, while critics question whether existing customers are fully protected from financial risk.
Louisiana to fast-track new power plants serving data centers
(The Center Square) − Louisiana utility regulators on Wednesday agreed to fast-track the process for building new electricity generation to handle the power needs of major industrial projects, including data centers moving into the state at a rapid pace.The directive,…
Louisiana Public Service Commission passes proposal allowing data centers to come online more quickly
BATON ROUGE - The Louisiana Public Service Commission deferred on a directive proposed by Commissioner Davante Lewis on Wednesday to create a policy addressing the new data centers.Lewis' policy pushed for a definition on how large-load customers connect to the grid, pay for infrastructure, and share costs while protecting existing ratepayers from higher bills, stranded assets and reliability risks. The Commission instead approved a proposal fro…
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