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Entergy announces plans for two new combined-cycle units at Waterford site, cites $2B-plus investment and local jobs
Summary
Entergy Louisiana told the St. Charles Parish Council it intends to build two combined-cycle gas units (Waterford 5 and 6) at the existing Waterford/Keller site, estimates cost at more than $2 billion, projects about 700 construction jobs and roughly 30 permanent operating positions, and scheduled public open houses.
Entergy Louisiana told the St. Charles Parish Council on Sept. 8 that it plans to build two new combined-cycle generating units at its Waterford/Kelowna site in St. Charles Parish, a project the company described as more than a $2 billion investment and an expansion of the parish’s industrial tax base.
Michelle Berg, an Entergy representative, said the proposed units — to be called Waterford 5 and Waterford 6 — would use combined-cycle technology (gas turbine(s) plus steam turbine) to raise efficiency and reduce emissions compared with older gas-fired units. Entergy projected Waterford 5 could enter commercial operation in late 2029 and Waterford 6 in 2030, assuming permitting proceeds on schedule.
"This is a $2,000,000,000-plus investment," Berg told the council. The company said the build would support "hundreds of construction jobs" (Entergy estimated more than 700 construction workers at peak) and around 30 permanent positions after startup, including plant operators and technicians. Estimated average annual salaries for operating roles were stated in the presentation as roughly $75,000–$100,000, plus benefits.
Entergy said the new units would be sited at its existing footprint near the parish’s current Waterford and Kelowna facilities. Officials said the technology is about 30% more efficient than older generating units on a heat-rate basis and would help meet regional demand during continued economic growth.
The company invited residents to two open-house events to review project plans and ask questions: Wednesday, Sept. 17 (5–8 p.m.) at the RPCC campus in Boutte, and the following Wednesday (location near the Kelowna fire station), with project staff and engineers on hand.
Council members sought clarification on whether older units would be retired when the new plants come online. Entergy staff said the company continually evaluates its fleet and the potential to retire older assets as part of long-range planning but gave no commitment to specific retirements tied to Waterford 5 and 6.
The presentation noted broader community impacts Entergy cited: additional property tax revenues (the company referenced overall parish tax base growth), opportunities for local contractors during construction, and ongoing corporate support for local workforce development and volunteerism.
Entergy also referenced its centennial in Louisiana and framed the project as part of continued investment in the state’s energy infrastructure. Council members and the parish president welcomed the company’s planned public meetings and said they expected continued interaction between Entergy, parish officials and residents as permitting and design progress.
No council vote or formal action on Entergy’s announcement occurred during the meeting; the company framed its remarks as a project announcement and public outreach invitation.
