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KENNER, La. — More than 9,000 customers in Kenner lost power Sunday afternoon in one of the largest single-day outages to strike the Jefferson Parish suburb in recent years, leaving neighborhoods without electricity for several hours during warm spring weather.

Entergy Louisiana reported the outage began around midday, with the company’s outage map showing a peak of 9,293 customers without power concentrated in Kenner. Crews responded quickly, and by early evening the majority of customers had power restored, though several thousand remained affected into the night.

The utility said the cause was under investigation but indicated early assessments pointed to equipment issues at a local substation. No injuries or major property damage were immediately reported, but the outage disrupted daily life for thousands of residents in the New Orleans suburb just as evening approached.

Impact on residents and businesses

Many Kenner families found themselves without lights, air conditioning or refrigeration as temperatures hovered in the 80s. Residents turned to generators, battery-powered fans and neighbors with power for relief. Local businesses, including restaurants and grocery stores, faced challenges keeping operations running smoothly.

Traffic signals in some areas went dark, prompting police to direct traffic at key intersections and increasing the risk of accidents. Emergency services remained operational on backup power, and no widespread 911 disruptions were reported. Hospitals and critical facilities in the region maintained service without interruption.

For families with young children, elderly members or those relying on medical equipment, the outage created anxiety. Several residents used social media to share photos of darkened homes and ask for updates on restoration times. Entergy’s estimated restoration time initially listed 8 p.m., though some areas saw power return earlier.

Entergy’s response

Crews were on scene within hours, working to identify and repair the fault. Entergy encouraged customers to report outages through its app, website or by texting OUT to 36778. The company activated its storm center protocols even though no severe weather was involved, reflecting the scale of the disruption.

By 6:14 p.m., power had been restored to the majority of affected customers, with roughly 3,000 still without service as crews continued targeted repairs. Entergy apologized for the inconvenience and thanked customers for their patience.

Broader context in Jefferson Parish

Kenner, a city of about 66,000 residents located between New Orleans and Metairie, has experienced several notable outages in recent years, often linked to aging infrastructure, vehicle accidents or weather events. This latest incident comes amid ongoing discussions about grid reliability in the greater New Orleans area as the region faces increasing extreme weather risks.

Entergy serves more than 1.3 million customers across Louisiana. The utility has invested billions in grid modernization, but challenges persist with equipment failures and growing demand. Local leaders have called for continued upgrades to prevent similar large-scale disruptions.

Community reaction

Residents expressed frustration mixed with understanding on social media. Many praised Entergy’s relatively quick response compared to past outages, while others questioned why such a large area was affected by what appeared to be a localized issue. Some used the downtime for family time or neighborhood gatherings, turning an inconvenience into a momentary community bonding experience.

Local officials urged residents to stay safe, avoid downed lines and prepare for potential after-effects such as spoiled food. The American Red Cross and local organizations stood ready to assist vulnerable populations if the outage had extended overnight.

Safety reminders during outages

Entergy and emergency officials issued standard guidance: treat all downed lines as live, use flashlights instead of candles to reduce fire risk, and throw out perishable food that has been above 40 degrees for more than two hours. Generators should be operated outdoors with proper ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

For those with medical needs, backup power plans and cooling centers were available if needed. Jefferson Parish emergency management monitored the situation closely.

Looking ahead

While power has been largely restored, Entergy will continue investigating the root cause to prevent recurrence. The incident highlights the importance of infrastructure resilience in a region prone to storms and heavy usage.

As Kenner returns to normal, residents and officials alike hope for smoother days ahead. The utility has promised to provide updates and work transparently with the community on any long-term improvements needed.

For the latest outage information, customers can check Entergy’s website, mobile app or call 800-9OUTAGE. Monday’s events serve as a reminder of how quickly modern life can be disrupted — and how communities pull together when the lights go out.

Eric Ayrault has spent more than three decades in education. His journey has taken him across continents, classrooms, and communities. Through it all, one theme stands out: a deep commitment to helping students grow.“For me, teaching is about connection,” Ayrault says. “If students feel seen, known, and challenged, they rise.”He grew up in Kirkland, Washington. His early life was shaped by education and athletics. His father led Lakeside School, where Ayrault studied from grade 5 through 12. Outside the classroom, he played football, basketball, lacrosse, and raced whitewater kayaks. He also developed a passion for the outdoors, working for both his high school’s outdoor program and Outward Bound.After high school, he traveled to Kenya and taught physics in a local school.“That experience changed everything,” he says. “It showed me how powerful education can be in any setting.  It also made me see I could teach and travel the world, so my career plan was set.”

Harvard Education and International Experience

Ayrault went on to attend Harvard University. He studied history and completed coursework for teaching certification. He also rowed crew, continuing a family legacy in the sport, and climbed in the mountains of New Hampshire with the Harvard Mountaineering Club.After graduating, he began teaching full-time. His early career included international roles in Tanzania, France, and Italy. These experiences shaped his approach to education.“Teaching in different countries forces you to adapt,” he explains. “You learn quickly that students are different, but the core needs are the same.”He later earned a master’s degree in speech communication from the University of Washington. This added depth to his work in the classroom, especially in helping students express themselves clearly.

Building a Long-Term Career in Education

Over the years, Ayrault worked in both public and private schools across the United States. He taught English and supported programs focused on student achievement and college readiness.His work has always centered on communication and student engagement.“I try to meet students where they are,” he says. “You have to understand what motivates them before you can teach them.  Good teaching starts with listening.”His long career has given him a front-row seat to how education has evolved. One of the biggest changes has been the role of technology in students’ lives.

How Cell Phones and Social Media Affect Students

Ayrault has become a strong voice on the impact of technology in schools. He sees both the benefits, but is more concerned now with the negative effects in reading, attention, and mental health.“I saw the shift happen,” he says. “Cell phones, social media, and games started to take over students’ attention.”He points out that constant access to devices can make it harder for students to stay focused.“Students are not just competing with each other anymore,” he says. “They are competing with an entire digital world in their pocket.”Social media, in particular, has changed how students see themselves.“Students compare themselves all day long,” he says. “That creates pressure that didn’t exist before.”He also notes how games are designed to keep users engaged for long periods.“They are built to keep you hooked,” he explains. “That makes it hard for students to focus on long-term goals like school.”   Ayrault says everyone should read The Anxious Generation by Johnathan Haidt, and has all of his students access those ideas through podcasts in class. 

Beyond the Classroom: Outdoor Education and Mentorship

Ayrault’s work has not been limited to traditional classrooms. He has also taught skiing in Colorado and earned certifications in outdoor education, including Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician training.“I’ve always liked working outside the classroom too,” he says. “I love it, and it gives students a different way to learn.”These experiences allowed him to connect with students in new ways. Outdoor settings often bring out different strengths and build confidence.He has also stayed active in his communities. He volunteered with programs supporting underserved students in California and worked with local shelters in Colorado.“Teaching doesn’t stop at the classroom door,” he says. “It’s about helping people grow wherever you can.”

A Broad Perspective on Modern Education

With experience across multiple countries and school systems, Ayrault brings a wide perspective to education today.“I’ve taught in many places,” he says. “The challenges are different, but the goal is always the same—help students succeed.”He believes the key is balance. Technology, structure, and human connection all play a role.“We need better boundaries,” he says. “Students need structure, both at school and at home.”His focus remains on helping students develop skills that go beyond academics.“It’s not just about grades,” he says. “It’s about preparing students for life.”

What’s Next for Eric Ayrault

Today, Eric Ayrault is focused on building the next chapter of his career with the same energy he has brought to teaching for decades. He is exploring new opportunities where his experience in education, communication, and mentorship can make an impact.“There are so many ways to help students and communities, both inside and outside the classroom.”He is especially interested in roles that allow him to speak, mentor, and share his perspective on modern education. His insights on technology, student focus, and learning environments continue to resonate with parents and educators alike.“I’ve seen how much things have changed,” he says. “Now I want to be part of helping people navigate those changes.”With a global background and years of hands-on experience, Ayrault is well-positioned to contribute in new ways. Whether through teaching, advising, or community work, his focus remains steady.“At the end of the day,” he says, “it’s still about helping people grow. That’s what drives me.”

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UK-based Vodafone Plc, which owns a 19% stake in Vodafone Idea, is considering transferring part of its shareholding to the company itself for the Indian telco to hold in its treasury, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter. It added that the share transfer would take place instead of Vodafone injecting more cash into the Indian business.

This move could boost the balance sheet of the loss-making Vodafone Idea, and help its current efforts to raise debt, Bloomberg further quoted its sources as saying. Following the transfer of shares, Vodafone Idea could then sell the shares at a later date, which would in turn give it additional capital to pay the government dues as well as invest in future growth, the report added.

The Economic Times couldn’t independently verify the report.

Vodafone Idea’s financial woes

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Vi, a joint venture between the Aditya Birla Group and Vodafone Group, was formed to tackle the significant competition unleashed after Reliance Jio entered the market in 2016. However, India’s third-largest telco by market share soon came under pressure due to rising AGR dues, with management highlighting the difficulty in surviving unless some concessions were given.
Under a 2021 telecom relief package, the government converted a portion of Vi’s dues into equity, raising its stake to 48.99%, making it the company’s largest shareholder. In February 2023, nearly Rs 16,000 crore of interest on deferred spectrum and AGR dues was converted into equity, which gave the government about a 33% stake at the time. This was followed by the conversion of an additional Rs 36,950 crore of spectrum auction dues into equity in April 2025.
The government, in December 2025, approved a partial moratorium on Vi’s dues, freezing them at Rs 87,695 crore and deferring repayments to the 2030s, which provided near-term cash flow relief for the debt-ridden firm.
Earlier this month, Vodafone Idea announced that the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) reduced the telco’s adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues by 27% to Rs 64,046 crore as of December 31. It added that DoT had formed a committee to reassess its AGR dues as per the order passed by the Supreme Court earlier. DoT in January this year had frozen AGR dues at Rs 87,695 crore as of December 31, 2025.

It added that, as per the latest government order, the final amount will be payable in tranches. A minimum of Rs 100 crore will be paid annually over four years from FY32 to FY35. The remaining amount will be paid in six equal instalments annually from FY36 to FY41.

Earlier this week, Vodafone Idea named billionaire industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla as its non-executive chairman, around five years after he resigned from the same role in the telecom giant amid financial stress.

Vodafone Idea share price

Vodafone Idea shares jumped more than 8% to trade at Rs 12.18 apiece on Monday. The stock has gained more than 15% in one week and over 31% in one month. The shares of the telecom company are up around 5% in 2026 so far.

In the longer timeframe, Vodafone Idea shares rallied 81% in one year, 70% in three years and 50% in five years.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)