Entergy plans $2 billion gas plant in Raymond

Entergy Mississippi officials told residents on Thursday that the utility is constructing a new natural gas power plant in Raymond. The announcement was made during an open house meeting aimed at explaining the project to local stakeholders.

The company stated that the facility will represent the largest economic development project in the history of Hinds County. Entergy expects to invest more than $2 billion in the construction and operation of the site.

Jeremy Vanderloo, the company's Vice President of Business Operations and Strategy, described the plant as a Mitsubishi design. He characterized the technology as clean, safe, and highly efficient. Vanderloo said the facility is intended to serve the utility's existing customer base and ensure reliable power delivery to the community.

Local officials will receive the financial benefits of the project through property taxes. Vanderloo projected that the plant will generate over $1 billion in tax revenue over its estimated 30-year lifespan. He specified that these funds will flow to the City of Raymond, Hinds County, and the Hinds County School District.

Construction is not expected to begin until 2028. The project timeline allows for roughly five years of build-out. Entergy projects that the plant will become operational in the summer of 2031.