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El Paso Electric seeks state permission to build the $473 million McCloud natural gas power plant to supply energy to Meta's data center, aiming for operation by 2027. Meta would initially cover all costs during a five-year bridge period, raising concerns that the plant might later integrate into the general grid.

Residents worry about the reliance on natural gas instead of renewable energy, the consumption of local water resources, and the limited long-term job creation from the facility. The El Paso City Council has voted to intervene in the approval process for transparency and safeguards, amid ongoing concerns about potential rate increases for local customers as El Paso Electric also seeks to raise rates for other investments.