Richland Parish, La. (UrbanCast: 7/24/2026) – Entergy has joined a national pledge designed to protect customers as data centers create new electricity demands. The White House announced the expanded Ratepayer Protection Pledge on July 23.
President Donald Trump joined governors, utility executives, technology leaders and community representatives for the announcement. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry attended alongside Entergy Chair and CEO Drew Marsh.
Meta President and Vice Chair Dina Powell McCormick also participated. Richland Parish Superintendent Sheldon Jones spoke about the project’s effect on local schools and teachers.
The Pledge
The pledge calls on data center companies to pay for the energy and infrastructure their projects require. Companies must build, bring or purchase enough power to support their operations.
They must also fund transmission upgrades and negotiate separate rate structures with utilities and state governments.
The White House said more than 200 utilities, developers, cooperatives and states joined the expanded commitment. The administration said the pledge covers 80% of all power delivered to American homes and businesses.
Louisiana’s agreement with Meta took center stage during the event. Meta is developing a major data center in Richland Parish.
Trump said the $27 billion project will provide $2.6 billion in electricity savings. He also highlighted bonuses reaching $50,000 for some Richland Parish teachers.
Landry said Meta, rather than existing ratepayers, will fund all new generation tied to the project. The company will also fund transmission upgrades and related infrastructure.
“Our first-of-a-kind partnership with Meta should be a template, not an exception,” Landry said.
Landry said the agreement will strengthen Louisiana’s electrical grid and reduce costs tied to resilience. He described those protections as especially important for communities along the Gulf Coast.
Expected Benefits for Entergy Customers
Marsh provided more details about the agreement’s expected benefits for Entergy customers. He said Entergy’s Fair Share Plus pledge could provide approximately $7 billion in benefits over 20 years.
Entergy modeled its program after the White House Ratepayer Protection Pledge. Under Fair Share Plus, Meta will cover all additional costs created by its project during the contract.
Meta will also contribute toward fixed costs currently paid by other customers. Those expenses include storm costs, resilience investments and regulatory compliance costs.
Marsh placed those benefits at approximately $2.65 billion over the contract’s life. The agreement also includes $140 million in energy-efficiency benefits.
Another $120 million will provide benefits for vulnerable customers, Marsh said.
Entergy is also building modern and resilient infrastructure to support the project. Marsh said that infrastructure will also serve existing customers connected to the grid.
The project is producing visible benefits within Richland Parish, particularly in its public schools. Jones said sales tax bonuses for teachers increased by 400% compared with last year.
The increase came from tax revenue generated by Meta and its data center. Trump said some teachers received bonuses reaching $50,000 this year.
New Opportunities Within Local Classrooms
Jones said Meta’s presence has also provided resources and new opportunities within local classrooms. Those benefits include STEM resources, technology upgrades and workforce development initiatives.
“Meta’s presence has made a tangible difference in our classrooms,” Jones said. “This partnership is directly strengthening the educational experience in Richland Parish.”
Jones said those investments are also making Richland Parish a leading destination for educator talent. He shared the story of a local graduate who returned home and became a teacher.
Jones described the project’s benefits in personal terms. He said discussions about artificial intelligence and data centers can sometimes feel distant from everyday life.
“Richland Parish is not an abstract concept,” Jones said. “It’s a new roof on a teacher’s house.”
He said the investment also helps local children envision a future within their own community.
“It’s a kid who can see a future for themselves right here in our community,” Jones said.
Listening to Residents
Powell McCormick said Meta developed its Louisiana investment by listening to residents and identifying local needs. She also highlighted $1.6 billion in contracts awarded to businesses connected to the Richland Parish project.
According to Powell McCormick, several small businesses have expanded and added jobs because of the development. Meta is also working with Louisiana Delta Community College to prepare residents for skilled careers.
Training areas include welding, electrical work, fiber technology and other infrastructure fields. Meta’s America’s Workforce Academy covers training costs and guarantees graduates jobs at Meta infrastructure sites.
Powell McCormick said more than 41,000 Americans have applied for the program.
Landry said the economic benefits extend beyond the school system. He said Richland Parish’s average wage has increased nearly 30%.
Landry presented Louisiana’s agreement as a model for attracting investment while protecting families. He said responsible growth can support affordability and create opportunities within local communities.
“This is a moment where we get to protect our people, empower our communities and unleash unprecedented economic opportunity,” Landry said.
Entergy serves more than three million customers across Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi and Texas.
Sources: White House event transcript, The White House, Entergy and Meta.
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