Two generation resources will be capable of powering more than 300K homes, supporting continued growth across Southeast Texas
By Dannie Oliveaux | dannieoliveaux@theexaminer.com
Entergy Texas officials, along with state, city, port and local officials and community leaders, attended a April 9 groundbreaking ceremony in Port Arthur for the Legend and Lone Star power stations — two major generation projects that will help power the region’s expanding population and economy.
The natural gas facilities are expected to add more than 1,200 megawatts of reliable generation capacity, enough to power more than 300,000 homes. Approved by the Public Utility Commission of Texas in 2025, both plants are expected to begin serving customers in 2028.
Company officials said the investment is part of a broader effort to stay ahead of rapid growth in Southeast Texas. The region continues to see an influx of residents, industries, and economic development, mirroring Texas’ ongoing population gains, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
To meet rising demand, Entergy Texas is expanding infrastructure through its Southeast Texas Energy Plan, known as STEP Ahead.
The Legend (Port Arthur) and Lone Star (Cleveland) stations are the latest additions to STEP Ahead, reportedly aimed at increasing generation capacity, improving reliability, and maintaining affordable electricity.
Together, the projects are expected to deliver more than $280 million in customer benefits, including about $41 million in fuel savings in their first full year of operation.
With the addition of the Orange County Advanced Power Station, set to begin operating later this year, Entergy Texas plans to bring more than 2.4 gigawatts of new generation capacity online by 2028.
As the region continues to grow, the company is promising investmentsin a modern, resilient energy future to power new homes, businesses and industries.
In addition to strengthening the grid, construction of the two plants is expected to generate about $2.7 billion in economic activity and create more than 9,000 construction jobs across the Port Arthur and Cleveland areas.
Undisputed energy leader
Special guest, Gov. Greg Abbott, remarked that the new energy facilities exemplify why Texas is the “undisputed energy leader” in the United States.
“No state provides more power generation than the great state of Texas. Today, we are expanding that leadership by breaking ground on two new massive power generation stations. We thank Entergy for investing in our state and for powering our future,” Abbott said, adding that Texas generates more electric power than any other state. “Texas generates more than twice the amount of the second- and third-ranking states combined. Projects like this are only going to continue that lead.”
Abbott highlighted Texas as ranking No. 1 in energy and electricity production, oil and gas production, wind power generation, utility-scale solar, and battery storage. He emphasized that Texas continues to bring new energy sources online to expand the state’s capacity to power future growth.
“It doesn’t matter what type of power it is — Texas is the national leader in providing power to our citizens and to the businesses that call Texas home,” Abbott declared.
Entergy Chair and CEO Drew Marsh said the company is proud to serve Southeast Texas — a region defined by its skilled workforce, strong infrastructure, community support, and global reach.
“Its continued growth depends on affordable and reliable power. Legend and Lone Star demonstrate how we’re investing to meet today’s needs while supporting the region’s long-term future,” Marsh said.
Entergy Texas CEO Eliecer Viamontes noted that more families, businesses, and industries are choosing Southeast Texas.
“And they are counting on power they can depend on every day,” he said. “These two generation resources position us to meet that demand, drive job creation and support economic development that will keep our communities moving forward.”
More information is available at EntergyTexas.com.
