<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM COGENTRIX
ENERGY, INC.'S CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE NINE MONTHS
ENDED MARCH 31, 1997 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUN-30-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             JUL-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1997
<CASH>                                         118,973
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   59,921
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                     18,086
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               198,770
<PP&E>                                         708,124
<DEPRECIATION>                                 181,778
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 865,294
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          102,240
<BONDS>                                        645,649
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                           130
<OTHER-SE>                                      58,886
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   865,294
<SALES>                                        267,772
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               277,711
<CGS>                                          205,494
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  205,494
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                68,385
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              41,527
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                (37,695)
<INCOME-TAX>                                   (14,404)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            (23,291)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                    703
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   (23,994)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                   (85.09)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                   (85.09)