After repeated sunny-day power failures in Kenner’s Driftwood subdivision this month, the Louisiana Public Service Commission has rolled out a long-term plan to rebuild the neighborhood’s electric network from the ground up. The overhaul focuses on swapping out aging underground wiring and installing new above-ground junction boxes aimed at cutting down on heat-triggered blackouts.
What the plan will do
According to regulators, the blueprint calls for removing and replacing deteriorated underground cables, conduits and associated components so the Driftwood system meets modern reliability standards. It also adds above-ground junction boxes that will act as switching and protection points for the underground network. Officials say engineering is complete and designs are finalized, so the work can move into construction once local approvals are in place, as outlined by the Louisiana Public Service Commission.
Neighbors say outages came on hot days
Residents told reporters the outages were hitting even on clear afternoons when temperatures topped 90 degrees, cutting air conditioning and sending neighbors into community meetings instead of staying cool at home. Kenner District 3 Councilman Joey LaHatte has been vocal about the problem and has pushed regulators and the utility for faster action. Local coverage described residents’ frustration and highlighted the pattern of daytime failures, as reported by ALT 92.3.
Price tag and approvals
The investigation and rebuild is expected to exceed $20 million, officials told local media, and Commissioner Eric Skrmetta said funding has been secured. Entergy told reporters it is finalizing designs and working with Jefferson Parish and the city on permits and timing before crews begin large-scale construction, according to WDSU.
What comes next
Before crews can break ground, the plan still needs local approvals, including building permits, right-of-way sign-offs and any required City Council actions. Work is expected to be scheduled in phases to minimize interruptions while sections are switched over. Residents should expect street-level construction, temporary outages during tie-ins and regular updates from the utility and the city on timing and traffic impacts. For permit rules and timelines, see the City of Kenner’s inspection and permitting pages at Kenner Inspection & Code Enforcement.
