Entergy Mississippi outlines plans for new Ridgeland power plant, seeks community input

JACKSON, Miss. — Entergy Mississippi is laying the groundwork for future power needs with early plans to build a new natural gas-fired power plant in Ridgeland — and the utility wants the community’s input.

At a town hall Friday, company leaders introduced the proposed site on West County Line Road and discussed the potential benefits of the project, including cost savings, local job creation and enhanced grid reliability. The location is close to existing transmission infrastructure, which officials say would reduce overall costs and improve efficiency.

The proposed facility would use advanced combined-cycle combustion turbine technology, capable of generating more electricity from the same amount of natural gas. Entergy leaders said this would lower long-term costs for customers while supporting increasing demand and planned generation retirements.

“This growth across our service area, combined with upcoming power generation retirements, is driving us to think ahead,” said Robbie Kemp, vice president of customer service. “While it’s very early in the process, we’re connecting with the community to ensure the project reflects their needs — including how the facility integrates into the surrounding area and minimizing visual impact.”

The power plant is expected to bring in temporary construction jobs as well as permanent positions once operational.

Jeremy Vanderloo, vice president of business operations, emphasized the company’s commitment to safety and regulatory compliance.

“We understand that residents have concerns,” Vanderloo said. “Our power generation fleet meets or exceeds EPA and MDEQ health standards and complies with noise ordinances. This new site will be no different.”

In October, Entergy broke ground on a similar 754-megawatt facility in Greenville. The Delta Blues Advanced Power Station represents a $1.2 billion investment and will employ 21 full-time workers once operational.

Company officials said feedback from Friday’s meeting will help guide development of the Ridgeland plant.