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El Paso Electric Seeks Approval for $473 Million Gas Plant for Meta

KVIA•Sunday, January 18, 2026 at 8:47 PM•El Paso Matters Elida S. Perez

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AI Summary

El Paso Electric is pursuing state approval to construct a $473 million natural gas power plant, named the McCloud facility, to meet the energy demands of Meta's expanding data center in Northeast El Paso. The 366-megawatt plant is crucial for supporting Meta's accelerated development timeline, with operations expected to begin by 2027 if approved. City leaders express concerns about the long-term implications for local ratepayers after a five-year 'bridge period' during which Meta will bear all costs. The City Council has filed a motion to intervene in the approval process to ensure transparency and protect residents from potential financial burdens. A decision from the Public Utility Commission of Texas regarding the rate increase is anticipated in February.

Key Details: • El Paso Electric's application for the McCloud facility is under review by the Public Utility Commission of Texas. • The facility will be built on 31 acres in Northeast El Paso, adjacent to Meta's $1.5 billion data center. • City Council filed a motion to intervene in the application on January 6, 2026, for transparency. • A decision on El Paso Electric's proposed rate increase is expected in February 2026.

city-council el-paso-electric meta power-plant natural-gas

People & Organizations

El Paso ElectricNortheast El PasoRenard JohnsonCity CouncilPublic Utility Commission of TexasJacob ReyesChris CanalesArt Fierro

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