Texas Regulators Approve Two Gas Plants But With 2 $4B Cost Cap

Regulators in Texas have recently approved two new Entergy natural gas plants, but have proposed a $2.4 billion hard cap on costs.

Why? The hope is to protect ratepayers. According to the Public Utility Commission of Texas, the utility may not have taken all measures to make the projects cost efficient.

These resources are necessary. Power demand in Texas has skyrocketed due to data center growth and other large loads.

Entergy has proposed both the 754-MW Legend Power Station and 453-MW Lone Star Power Station plants. These additions will be critical when summer peak load increases by nearly 20% in 2028, according to predictions.

As electricity needs continue to grow around the country and the world, we need to figure out the best way to keep costs reasonable.