Our take
Google and Entergy Arkansas add a second phase in West Memphis
Entergy Arkansas says Google will cover new solar, batteries and grid upgrades for phase two of its West Memphis campus. State approval is still pending.
Google is running it back in Arkansas. Entergy Arkansas says it will add a second phase of power service for Google's data center campus in West Memphis.
Quote, Entergy Arkansas, 19 Oct 2026: "Entergy Arkansas announced today as part of its continued partnership with Google, a second phase of its service to support Google's presence in West Memphis."
Source: Entergy Arkansas, 19 Oct 2026
Who covers the tab
Entergy says the grid upgrades will cost about $600 million, and that Google will pay for them along with a power purchase agreement. The package includes a 440 MW solar contract, two big battery systems and new transmission lines.
Quote, Entergy Arkansas, 19 Oct 2026: "A 440 megawatt (ac) solar power purchase agreement from the Big Island solar facility being constructed in Mississippi County."
Quote, Amanda Peterson Corio, Google, 19 Oct 2026: "By funding new solar, battery storage and transmission capacity, we're helping deliver savings to Entergy Arkansas customers"
Source: Entergy Arkansas, 19 Oct 2026
Google's own blog says the work aims to "strengthen the power system for all of its customers."
Source: Google, 19 Oct 2026
Not final yet
The Arkansas Public Service Commission still has to approve this phase. If it does, service is expected to start in 2028.
Quote, Entergy Arkansas, 19 Oct 2026: "Pending approval, the expansion project's expected in-service date is in 2028."
Source: Entergy Arkansas, 19 Oct 2026
Our take
On 19 Oct Entergy Arkansas said Google will pay for the grid upgrades and solar contract for phase two. Our take: big tech paying for the power it needs is turning into the standard play for AI campuses, but this one still needs the state's sign off.
Why it matters to you
Data centers use as much power as whole towns. Who pays for new power plants and lines can show up in what families pay for electricity.
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