Entergy executives, elected officials and community leaders gathered to celebrate a groundbreaking marking the ceremonial start of construction on the Montgomery County Power Station.

The shovels hitting the dirt on Feb. 15 marked a new chapter for reliable, affordable energy across Southeast Texas. Entergy executives, elected officials and community leaders gathered to celebrate a groundbreaking marking the ceremonial start of construction on the Montgomery County Power Station.

MCPS is a state-of-the-art, 993-megawatt combined cycle gas turbine plant under construction next to the existing Lewis Creek Power Plant in Willis. The facility will provide a new source of reliable, low-cost and clean energy to meet the growing power demand across Southeast Texas.

"Southeast Texas is growing, and Entergy Texas needs to invest now to power that growth," said Sallie Rainer, president and CEO of Entergy Texas Inc. "By providing reliable, affordable power, we can meet our customers' needs today, while laying the foundation for future growth across our region."

The construction of MCPS will modernize Entergy Texas' generation fleet using new technology that provides a cleaner and more efficient source of power. This efficient technology will benefit customers by providing a savings of approximately $1.7 billion over the next 30 years.

In addition to meeting customer needs, MCPS also will have a substantial impact on the Texas economy. An independent economic analysis by TXP Inc. estimates that construction alone is expected to generate an estimated $1 billion in economic activity across the state. Additionally, construction is expected to create a multiplier effect of more than 7,000 jobs (direct, indirect, induced).

"We are committed to making investments that move our customers and communities forward," said Rainer. "MCPS is a part of our $2 billion investment in infrastructure that will create jobs, spur economic development and serve our customers."

Entergy issued final notice to proceed on the plan in August 2018. The plant is expected to be online by mid-2021.

Entergy Texas Inc. provides electricity to approximately 458,000 customers in 27 counties. Entergy Corporation is an integrated energy company engaged primarily in electric power production and retail distribution operations. Entergy owns and operates power plants with approximately 30,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity, including nearly 9,000 megawatts of nuclear power. Entergy delivers electricity to 2.9 million utility customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Entergy has annual revenues of approximately $10.8 billion and nearly 13,000 employees.

Today's top stories

NAPA Urges Drivers to 'Watch For Us' During National Work Zone Awareness Week

VDOT Oversees $3.9B Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel Project

Yanmar America Celebrates Global Customer Service Awards

New York City DOT Unveils Plans for Its Queensboro Bridge Pedestrian Upgrades

Terex Utilities Announces Availability of TL45 On Mini Tracked Carrier for Lifting in Restricted Access Job Sites

Nashville's Belmont University Gets $58M Gift From Executive for Music Row Expansion

New England Revolution Soccer Team Wants to Build Its Own Stadium in Everett, Mass.

Thomas Viaduct Railroad Bridge Recognized as National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark