Regulators approve Entergy Louisiana’s purchase of 475 MW of solar power

Entergy Louisiana earned approval from the Louisiana Public Service Commission this week to add 475 MW of new solar generating capacity to its portfolio and deploy what it called the Geaux Green option – the state’s first green tariff and a renewable energy opportunity for its customers.

“Our customers are increasingly interested in renewable energy, and the LPSC’s approval of these resources enables Entergy to bring more solar power to Louisiana and offer a green tariff to interested customers,” Entergy Louisiana President and CEO Phillip May said. “We continue to make great strides toward expanding our green portfolio, and these solutions will help us continue to provide more affordable, cleaner, and more reliable power today and into the future.”

Acquisition of the new-build solar additions, which include the 150 MW Vacherie Solar Energy Center, 150 MW Jacques Louisiana Solar, 125 MW Elizabeth Solar, and 50 MW Sunlight Road Solar, will nearly triple Entergy Louisiana’s total renewable generating capacity. All except the Jacques facility should begin delivering power in 2024 – the latter will not come online until 2025. Currently, Entergy Louisiana has about 280 MW of renewable resources at its disposal.

Once these new facilities are built, Entergy Louisiana will purchase the power provided by the Vacherie, Sunlight Road, and Elizabeth solar facilities through 20-year agreements. Separately, the Jacques solar facility will be acquired through a build-own-transfer agreement that will put it fully in Entergy’s hands after construction is completed.

As to Geaux Green, the tariff will allow customers the option to subscribe to and benefit from renewable energy resources.