Entergy Power Outage in New Orleans: Today's Situation and Ongoing Efforts

As of Monday, May 26, 2025, New Orleans residents are experiencing power outages due to severe thunderstorms in the area. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for hail and damaging winds, which have impacted the city's power infrastructure. Entergy New Orleans is actively working to restore service and has provided updates on the situation.

Current Power Outage Status

Entergy New Orleans has reported widespread outages affecting various neighborhoods across the city. The utility company is mobilizing crews to assess and repair the damage caused by the storms. While specific neighborhoods affected are still being determined, Entergy has assured customers that restoration efforts are underway.

Factors Contributing to the Outages

Several factors have contributed to the current power outages:

• Severe Weather Conditions: Thunderstorms with hail and strong winds have caused physical damage to power lines and equipment.

• Aging Infrastructure: Some components of the power grid are outdated and more susceptible to damage during extreme weather events.

• Lightning Arresters Failure: In previous incidents, failures in lightning arresters have led to outages. Entergy is working to replace older models with more weather-resistant ones. 

Entergy's Response and Restoration Efforts

Entergy New Orleans has activated its emergency response protocols to address the outages:

• Deployment of Crews: Crews are being dispatched to affected areas to assess damage and begin repairs.

• Communication Updates: Customers are being kept informed through Entergy's website and social media channels.

• Estimated Restoration Times: While specific times are not yet available, Entergy is working diligently to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.

Long-Term Infrastructure Improvements

In response to previous outages and to enhance grid reliability, Entergy New Orleans has initiated several long-term infrastructure projects:

Operation: Gridiron

This $1 billion plan aims to:

• Upgrade Power Poles: Strengthen poles to withstand winds up to 150 mph.

• Hardening Power Lines: Improve 650 miles of power lines to reduce vulnerability.

• Enhance Grid Automation: Implement smart grid technologies to detect and isolate faults more efficiently.

Accelerated Resilience Plan (2025-26)

Approved by the New Orleans City Council, this plan focuses on:

• Strengthening Structures: Reinforce 3,096 structures to improve grid stability.

• Upgrading Infrastructure: Enhance 63 miles of electric lines to support increased demand. 

Tips for Residents During Outages

While Entergy works to restore power, residents can take the following steps to stay safe and comfortable:

• Use Flashlights: Avoid using candles to reduce fire risk.

• Unplug Electronics: Protect devices from power surges when electricity is restored.

• Stay Informed: Monitor Entergy's website and local news for updates.

• Report Outages: Use Entergy's outage reporting tools to inform the company of any issues.

Conclusion

The current power outages in New Orleans are a result of severe weather conditions impacting the city's power infrastructure. Entergy New Orleans is actively working to restore service and has implemented long-term plans to improve grid resilience. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and take necessary precautions during this time.