El Paso Electric Seeks Approval for $473 Million Gas Plant for Meta Data Center
Want the full story?
Read the complete article at El Paso Matters
AI Summary
El Paso Electric is requesting state approval to construct a $473 million natural gas power plant, named the McCloud facility, to meet the energy demands of Meta's data center in Northeast El Paso. The proposed 366-megawatt plant is expected to be operational by 2027 and will be funded entirely by Meta. City leaders have expressed concerns about potential future costs to local ratepayers after an initial five-year period, during which Meta will bear all costs. The City Council has intervened in the approval process to ensure transparency and protect residents from possible financial impacts. A decision from the Public Utility Commission of Texas is anticipated in February regarding both the plant and a proposed rate increase for El Paso Electric.
Key Details: • El Paso Electric's application for the McCloud facility is under review by the Public Utility Commission of Texas. • The plant will be built on 31 acres adjacent to Meta's $1.5 billion data center. • City Council filed a motion to intervene on January 7, 2024, to ensure transparency. • A ruling on El Paso Electric's proposed rate increase is expected in February 2024. • Meta is responsible for all costs associated with the new plant during the initial five-year period.