Louisiana Utility Seeking Approval on Pair of Solar Projects

Phillip May. Entergy Louisiana has asked for permission from the Louisiana Public Service Commission to buy, build and use around 225 MW of fresh solar energy. They have picked two projects to obtain more solar power, with one in Iberville Parish creating approximately 175 MW and the other in Ouachita Parish being around 49 MW. If it is approved by the commission, Entergy Louisiana will be able to expand its renewable power sources and meet the growing need for clean energy production. Phillip May, the president and CEO of Entergy Louisiana, said “This is a significant development in our mission to be more environmentally sustainable, as well as aiding our customers in achieving their own green objectives. There is a higher demand for electricity that is generated by renewable sources, and Entergy is committed to meeting this demand while still providing dependable, inexpensive power. We are delighted about the opportunity to potentially increase our capacity by 225 MW and are looking forward to continuously developing our renewable energy sources to meet the expectations of our stakeholders. Entergy Louisiana has proposed a twenty year contract to Coastal Prairie Solar LLC, which is a subsidiary owned by NextEra Energy Resources LLC, to purchase electricity produced by their upcoming solar plant in Iberville Parish. Entergy Louisiana plans to construct and place in service the Sterlington Solar Facility in Ouachita Parish if it gets the green light. If this occurs, work is expected to start on the project in the spring of 2024, with completion by the end of 2025. A facility is planned to follow the Iberville facility, called Sterlington Solar Facility, that is projected to be linked to the grid in the beginning of 2026. In addition, they have put forth a suggestion to have the newly established solar resources be a part of the accepted green tariff Geaux Green Option, also known as Rider GGO.