El Paso Electric Seeks Gas Plant for Meta Platforms Data Center

El Paso Electric is seeking approval from the Public Utility Commission of Texas to construct the McCloud facility, a 366-megawatt natural gas power plant. The utility intends to use the plant to support a $1.5 billion data center being built by Meta Platforms, Inc. While officials previously suggested the center would rely on existing infrastructure and renewable energy, the utility now argues a gas plant is the fastest way to meet Meta Platforms, Inc.'s time-sensitive power needs.

The proposal has triggered opposition from the City of El Paso and environmental justice groups. The City of El Paso intervened in the regulatory proceedings, arguing that a fossil fuel plant contradicts its climate action plan to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030. The Sembrando Esperanza Coalition has called for the termination of contracts with Meta Platforms, Inc., citing a lack of transparency regarding the project's energy sources.

If the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality approve the application, the plant is expected to be operational by 2027. Meta Platforms, Inc. will fund all costs for the first five years of the facility.