Entergy Texas has officially begun construction on two major power generation projects in Southeast Texas—the Legend and Lone Star power plants. The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Greg Abbott, along with company leaders, local officials, and community representatives. These new facilities are part of a broader effort to meet the region’s rapidly increasing electricity demand driven by population growth and expanding industries.
The Legend and Lone Star plants are designed as highly efficient natural gas facilities. Together, they will add more than 1,200 megawatts of reliable power capacity, which is enough to supply electricity to over 300,000 homes. Both projects received approval from the Public Utility Commission of Texas in 2025 and are expected to begin operations in 2028.
Their development reflects a long-term approach to ensuring a stable and consistent power supply across Southeast Texas. Texas has been one of the fastest-growing states in the United States, with strong population increases reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. Southeast Texas, in particular, has seen a steady influx of new residents, businesses, and industrial developments.
To prepare for this rising demand, Entergy Texas launched a long-term infrastructure initiative known as the Southeast Texas Energy Plan, or STEP Ahead. This plan focuses on expanding generation capacity, improving grid reliability, and maintaining affordable electricity for customers.
The Legend and Lone Star plants are central to this strategy. In addition to strengthening the region’s power supply, these facilities are expected to deliver more than $280 million in customer benefits. This includes around $41 million in fuel cost savings during their first full year of operation. Such efficiencies are important for keeping electricity rates stable while meeting growing demand.
These projects are part of a larger expansion plan. Along with the Orange County Advanced Power Plant, which is scheduled to come online soon, Entergy Texas aims to add more than 2.4 gigawatts of new generation capacity by 2028. This investment highlights the company’s commitment to building a modern and resilient energy system that can support future growth across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.
Beyond energy supply, the new plants are also expected to bring significant economic benefits to the region. Reliable electricity is a key factor in attracting new businesses and supporting existing industries, especially those that rely on continuous power for safe and efficient operations.
The construction of the Legend and Lone Star plants is projected to generate approximately $2.7 billion in economic activity and create more than 9,000 construction jobs in areas such as Port Arthur and Cleveland. Company leadership emphasized the importance of these investments. Drew Marsh, President and CEO of Entergy, highlighted Southeast Texas as a region with a strong workforce, solid infrastructure, and growing global importance.
He noted that reliable and affordable energy is essential for sustaining this growth and that these projects represent a commitment to both current and future needs. Eliecer Viamontes, CEO of Entergy Texas, pointed out that more families, businesses, and industries are choosing to settle in the region, increasing the need for dependable electricity.
He explained that the new facilities will help meet this demand while also supporting job creation and economic expansion. Greg Abbott also emphasized Texas’s leadership in electricity generation, stating that the state continues to expand its energy capacity to support growth. He acknowledged Entergy’s investment as a significant step toward strengthening the state’s energy future.
Other leaders shared similar views. Courtney Hjaltman noted that every additional megawatt of power supports economic growth and energy security. Randy Weber highlighted the importance of reliable power in maintaining Southeast Texas’s leadership in development. Janis Holt emphasized that the projects will improve infrastructure while bringing investment and job opportunities to local communities. J
eff Branick also praised the company’s long-term planning, noting that the region has seen strong commercial and industrial growth over the past two decades and will continue to expand. Overall, the development of the Legend and Lone Star power plants reflects a proactive approach to addressing rising energy needs in Southeast Texas. Through strategic planning and significant investment, Entergy Texas is working to ensure reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity for a region that continues to grow rapidly.
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