How Some New Orleans Residents Were Prepared for The Unexpected Power Outage
What Caused the Widespread Outage in New Orleans?
This weekend, leading up to Memorial Day, over 100,000 residents across the Greater New Orleans area—including Mid City, Uptown, the Westbank, parts of the Northshore, and St. Bernard Parish—found themselves suddenly without power during one of the most widespread blackouts the region has seen in recent months. The outage wasn’t caused by a storm, bird, or balloon. Instead, Entergy New Orleans announced it was acting under a load-shed order from MISO (Midcontinent Independent System Operator), a directive that required them to reduce strain on the electrical grid by temporarily cutting power to tens of thousands of customers.
At its peak, approximately 100,000 Entergy and Cleco customers were directly impacted by the load shed, with others experiencing rolling blackouts and disruptions throughout Sunday afternoon and evening. For many, this unexpected event underscored just how fragile our local grid can be—even on a calm day.
These types of grid-related outages are becoming more common, not just during hurricane season, but also during peak usage times when infrastructure is under stress. And as more New Orleans homes rely on electric HVAC systems, medical equipment, and smart home technology, the risks of being caught off-guard by a blackout are growing.
Who Decides When the Power Comes Back On?
So, when does the blackout end? The call ultimately comes from the grid operator—MISO. They monitor the system in real time, and once the power supply stabilizes and the overall grid is no longer at risk, they give utilities like Entergy the green light to restore service. Until MISO gives that all-clear, utilities have to keep the lights off to prevent further strain or potential damage to the power infrastructure. In short: the moment the grid is steady and safe, the lights start coming back on.
Why More Homeowners Are Installing Whole Home Generators
That’s exactly why homeowners across the New Orleans metro area are turning to whole home generators—and Keefe’s is proud to be leading the charge in keeping our community powered and protected.
Unlike portable generators, whole home standby generators are permanently installed and automatically kick on within seconds of an outage. They provide seamless electricity to your entire home or to critical systems like lights, refrigeration, air conditioning, and internet—without the need to haul equipment or refuel during an emergency. It’s comfort, safety, and peace of mind that starts the moment the lights go out.
At Keefe’s, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners in Metairie, Harahan, Lakeview, Uptown, Mid City and beyond prepare for situations just like this. And during Sunday’s blackout, many of our generator customers reported zero interruptions.
Our team specializes in turnkey generator solutions—from selecting the right size and brand to handling permitting, installation, and long-term maintenance. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or upgrading your system, we make the process simple and stress-free. Every home is different, which is why we provide personalized consultations and honest recommendations based on your power needs and budget.
With the growing strain on our electrical grid and more extreme weather events every year, power outages aren’t a matter of if, but when. And while Entergy crews always work diligently to restore service, having a backup power system in place ensures your home, family, and daily life aren’t left vulnerable.
So if Sunday’s outage left you sweating, stumbling in the dark, or wondering how to keep your fridge cold next time—consider this your sign. A whole home generator isn’t just a luxury anymore. It’s protection you can count on when the unexpected hits.
Reach out to Keefe’s AC, Heating, Electrical, Generator, & Plumbing today to schedule a free in-home consultation. We proudly serve the Greater New Orleans area and are ready to help you take the first step toward reliable, automatic backup power.
Tips for Staying Cool and Cutting Costs During High Demand in New Orleans
So, what can you actually do when temperatures spike and your meter seems to be spinning nonstop? Good news: staying comfortable doesn’t always mean emptying your wallet. Here are a few practical steps locals across New Orleans (myself included) rely on when the AC is working overtime:
- Optimize Your Thermostat: Set your thermostat a bit higher—around 78°F when you’re home, and even higher when you’re away. Consider a smart thermostat (like the Ecobee or Nest) to help automate small adjustments that add up on your bill.
- Use Ceiling Fans Wisely: Set ceiling fans to spin counterclockwise for a cooling breeze. Fans use far less energy than your AC and help circulate air so you can nudge the thermostat up another notch.
- Block Out the Sun: Close blinds, curtains, or invest in reflective window film, especially on west- and south-facing windows, to keep radiant heat outside where it belongs.
- Seal and Insulate: Weatherstripping doors and caulking windows can help keep that precious cool air inside, so your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard.
- Upgrade Old Appliances: If you’re already sweating over replacing an old refrigerator or AC unit, look for ENERGY STAR-certified options from trusted brands like GE or LG—they use less electricity and pay you back over time.
- Limit Heat from Appliances: Run ovens, dryers, and dishwashers in the evening when demand drops (or, better yet, grill outside and air dry whenever possible).
By making these small but effective changes, you can enjoy a little relief from both the sweltering Louisiana heat and your monthly electric bill.
How to Prepare for Severe Weather Events in New Orleans
With unpredictable outages now a reality—not just from hurricanes but from grid strain—being ready for the next disruption is more important than ever. So, what should you do to make sure your household is prepared when severe weather strikes?
- Gather Emergency Supplies: Have a storm kit on hand with essentials like bottled water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, medication, and a battery-powered radio.
- Create an Emergency Plan: Map out evacuation routes and have a plan for where your family will meet if you get separated. Share your plan with all household members.
- Safeguard Your Property: Trim trees and shrubs away from power lines, secure outdoor furniture, and check that storm drains and gutters are clear.
- Prepare Technology and Power Sources: Keep your phones fully charged ahead of storms and consider investing in portable chargers or battery packs. For added peace of mind, many residents look to Keefe’s to install reliable brands like Generac, Kohler, or Briggs & Stratton for backup power solutions.
- Protect Important Documents: Store essentials like insurance policies, identification, and medical information in a waterproof container.
Taking these steps ahead of time can turn an overwhelming outage into just another evening at home.
