Memphis utility rate hike for Google data center
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Docs show a $6 monthly utility rate hike to fund Google's West Memphis data center. Ratepayers may foot part of the $1.6 billion solar cost.
Background
Google is building a massive data center campus in West Memphis, Arkansas, with a projected cost of $1.6 billion for a solar facility to power it. Documents accidentally released through a public records request reveal that Google will pay only $526 million, about one-third of the cost, raising concerns that residential ratepayers might cover the rest. Entergy, the utility, has sued to stop publication, claiming the documents contain confidential trade secrets.
How it unfolded
- Oct 2, 2025Google breaks ground on the West Memphis data center, with President Ruth Porat stating Google will cover 100% of power and infrastructure costs.
- Dec 2025Arkansas Public Service Commission approves a special rate contract between Google and Entergy, with details kept secret.
- Jun 2026Entergy residential customers begin paying an added $5.77 monthly increase for three new power generation projects, including Cypress Solar.
- Aug 31, 2026Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports on accidentally released documents showing Google will pay $526 million for the solar facility, about one-third of the cost.
- Sep 1, 2026Entergy sues the Democrat-Gazette and Arkansas Times to stop publication of the documents, citing confidentiality.
- Sep 2, 2026A judge refuses to block reporting, noting the First Amendment gives 'significant pause'.
- Sep 3, 2026West Memphis Utilities issues a statement saying its customers will not see a rate increase because of the Google data center.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Entergy and Google say Google will cover 100% of power and infrastructure costs, and the project will deliver over $1.1 billion in net benefits to Arkansas customers.
- Public
- Residents and news outlets question why ratepayers would see increases if Google is paying full costs, citing the $5.77 monthly hike already in effect.
Still unverified
The $6 monthly increase is reported in the headline but not detailed in the body; the actual current increase is $5.77. The documents were 'accidentally' released, and Entergy claims they contain confidential trade secrets.