Louisiana Voters to Pick Two Utility Regulators

Voters will choose representatives for two Public Service Commission seats on November 3, as the body weighs gas plants tied to Meta's data center.

Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Utilities

Louisiana Voters to Pick Two Utility Regulators

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Louisiana voters will elect representatives for Public Service Commission Districts 1 and 5 on November 3, 2026. The commission is set to vote in December on seven additional gas plants for Meta's Richland Parish data center.

Why it matters

The Public Service Commission regulates utility rates and power generation decisions affecting Louisiana households and businesses. The election outcome could shape how the state approves energy infrastructure for large-scale data center projects.

Two commission seats are up for election, with the incumbents having served for two decades. Meta's data center is projected at $50 billion and 5 gigawatts, with large-load customers required to cover half of related costs under the fast-track process.

The players

Connie Norris

Norris is a Democratic candidate and retired educator running in District 1 who is advocating for lower utility bills.

Stephanie Hilferty

Hilferty is a Republican candidate and current state representative running in District 1.

The details

Entergy's plan for Meta's facility includes three grid-connected gas plants already approved, with an agreement to add seven more. Louisiana's fast-track review process for utility generation serving large loads requires customers like data centers to cover half the costs.

Last year: The commission adopted the fast-track review process and approved Entergy's first three gas plants.
November 3, 2026: Voters elect representatives for Districts 1 and 5.
December 2026: The commission is scheduled to vote on seven additional gas plants.
2028: The commission is scheduled to decide on Entergy's next integrated resource plan.

Utilities Roadmap

Louisiana's fast-track review process, adopted last year, lets large-load customers such as data centers secure utility generation faster in exchange for covering half the costs. The upcoming seven-plant vote extends that framework to Meta's 5-gigawatt Richland Parish facility.

Louisiana households and businesses will see their utility rates shaped by who wins the two Public Service Commission seats. Large data center projects may also influence how much power costs Louisiana ratepayers.

The takeaway

Voter choices on the Public Service Commission will influence how Louisiana balances data center growth against ratepayer costs. Residents can track commission agendas to follow decisions on new power generation.

What happens next

Voters decide Public Service Commission Districts 1 and 5 on November 3, 2026, and the commission votes on seven additional gas plants for Meta's data center in December.