Meta’s $27 Billion Data Center: 3 Problems the Cold Snap Exposed
- Louisiana cold snap leaves 130,000 homes without power, raising electricity concerns
- Meta data center projected to consume 3 times the power of New Orleans
- Residents express concerns about electricity rate hikes and power grid instability
The Data Center Power Controversy Triggered by the Cold Snap
Meta is building a $27 billion AI data center in northern Louisiana.[The Verge] The January cold snap left 130,000 homes without power. The data center isn’t directly related as it’s still under construction. However, residents are worried about what will happen when three times the power of New Orleans is added to an already fragile power grid.
$650 Million Savings: Really?
Entergy is building three new gas power plants. Meta claims it will cover the construction costs for 15 years and provide $650 million in savings.[The Verge] However, Logan Burke, director of AAE, points out that transmission line costs are excluded. Increased gas demand could also drive up prices during cold snaps.
Residents and Experts Demand Re-analysis
Donna Collins, a fifth-generation resident, says she “can’t imagine the changes that are coming.”[The Verge] The Union of Concerned Scientists has called for a re-analysis, arguing that Entergy’s power grid stability analysis is inadequate.[UCS] This aligns with the growing backlash against data centers across the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the scale of Meta’s Louisiana data center?
A: It’s Meta’s largest project, costing $27 billion. It will consume three times the power of New Orleans and is scheduled for completion in 2030.
Q: How will the data center affect residents’ electricity bills?
A: Meta has promised $650 million in savings over 15 years. However, consumer groups believe that omitted transmission line costs and increased gas demand could lead to higher rates.
Q: Is the recent cold snap directly related to the data center?
A: Not yet. It’s still under construction and didn’t contribute to the recent power outages. However, the concern is that adding such a large demand to a fragile power grid could exacerbate problems during future disasters.
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References
- How an ‘icepocalypse’ raises more questions about Meta’s biggest data center project – The Verge (2026-02-11)
- Union of Concerned Scientists – UCS (2026-02)
- Alliance for Affordable Energy – AAE (2026-02)