Cleco is pleased to confirm it will serve power to a new data center being developed by Applied Digital in Rapides Parish. The project was officially announced by Governor Jeff Landry at a press conference in Alexandria, Louisiana and hosted in partnership with Louisiana Economic Development and Louisiana Central.

“The data center project will be transformative for Rapides Parish and our customers,” said Bill Fontenot, President and CEO of Cleco. “As a company, we welcome Applied Digital and look forward to meeting their needs for safe and reliable energy for years to come.”

The Cleco Customer Value Commitment

This project and Cleco’s involvement support the Cleco Customer Value Commitment by delivering meaningful economic impact while maintaining the affordability, reliability and value customers expect and deserve.

“Cleco’s planned investments in grid reliability and new generation infrastructure help all customers and will be substantially supported by the data center. Projects like this are structured carefully in a way that benefit all customers,” said Fontenot.

Large load customers, like data centers, can help reduce costs for existing customers by spreading system expenses across a broader customer base, and new projects can bring upgrades to power lines, substations and equipment which strengthen the power grid for the benefit of all customers.

“Costs for infrastructure investments and power generation will be reimbursed by the data center with assurances made that prevent the shifting of costs onto other customers,” said Fontenot. “Improving infrastructure will lead to stronger resiliency and reliability for all customers.”

Economic Impact

Cleco’s involvement in the data center opportunity displays the vital role the company plays in economic development for central Louisiana and the communities it serves. According to Applied Digital and economic development experts, a project of this size will create more than 1,000 jobs during construction and another 200 jobs over the long term, as well as help stimulate additional opportunities for existing businesses.

“The number of jobs generated by this project is significant for central Louisiana, and it aligns with our priorities to foster business growth locally and throughout the state,” explained Fontenot. “A project of this size will have positive generational impacts on the region – impacts that can help draw people in, as well as keep people here. It’s exciting to be a part of creating something that will have a positive, lasting impact on the community.”

Cleco’s Commitment

Fontenot reiterated that, as central Louisiana’s leading electricity provider, Cleco welcomes the data center to the region, as the company is committed to affordably serving its customers while enabling growth. And reminds customers that the project is subject to oversight by the Louisiana Public Service Commission, reinforcing the company’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

“Our priority is to generate and deliver reliable, safe energy for all customers, while remaining focused on affordability and providing excellent, responsive service,” said Fontenot, who pointed out that Cleco is the only electric utility provider to meet Louisiana’s reliability standards for the last 27 years and has consistently kept the power on over 99.997% of the time. “And projects like the new data center, along with related investments in grid resiliency and new generation infrastructure, are important because they make the region even more attractive as a place where businesses can grow and thrive.”