SWEPCO - Experts & Thought Leaders

Emergency assessment and response is well underway by SWEPCO crews across the service territory after powerful storms brought damaging winds and intense lightning. Parts of the Ark-La-Tex remain under a flash flood warning. As of 10:30 a.m., approximately 20,000 customers are without power.   Damage assessors have reported downed power lines and fallen trees and tree limbs throughout the area. Crews are working as safely and quickly as possible to restore service to the communities. SWEPCO will know more about estimated restoration times as the severe weather subsides, and the damage assessment is complete. Most impacted areas The areas most impacted include Caddo and Desoto parishes in Louisiana, and Harrison and Gregg counties in Texas. Additional updates will be shared from ongoing damage assessments. More severe weather is forecasted for the region. Continued heavy rainfall and intense lightning could impact restoration efforts due to lineworker safety. SWEPCO asks that users should use caution when driving near their crews who are working to restore power. As always, user’s safety and the safety of the crews remain paramount. Stay away and keep children and pets at least ten feet away from downed lines. Treat all downed power lines as if they are energized and dangerous.

With assistance from multiple departments within SWEPCO, the ribbon was cut on a much-anticipated grand opening of the new Travel Centers of Americas truck stop and EV charging station near Hosston, Louisiana. “This is what we do,” expressed Jeff Thigpen, SWEPCO Alternate Energy Resource Manager while addressing a large crowd of Caddo Parish and state leaders during the Friday, April 5, 2024, grand opening. “It’s really forward thinking. They put electric charging on site here, and it’s the only one between Shreveport and Texarkana,” continued Thigpen. Experience of travelers Traveling from Redwater, Texas back to their home in Atlanta, George, Rebecca and Jonathon Pratcher were thrilled to discover the EV charger in the parking lot of the brand-new truck stop on LA 2 at Interstate 49, the halfway point between Shreveport and Texarkana. “I’m so glad this one is here. I had seen it on the map but didn’t know where it was,” shared Rebecca. She added that her car’s EV map had already been updated with this new charging location. Multiple members from SWEPCO’s engineering, distribution, and alternate energy departments were credited for their assistance in getting this project through the planning and construction phases, especially since it is in such a rural spot along the north Caddo interstate corridor.  Boost to the economy Louisiana State Senator Sam Jenkins pointed out the TA Express will also provide a major boost to the economy. “Economic development and jobs are critically important in this area of Caddo Parish,” Jenkins pointed out. “We are happy to have jobs coming to this area and we’re thinking this is the beginning of many great things along I-49.” 

North America is gearing up for a rare event as a total solar eclipse graces the skies. Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) is proud to announce its collaboration with the De Queen school district and American Electric Power (AEP) meteorologists to bring educational resources and activities to the local community. Working closely with Arkansas Teacher of the Year, Beau McCastlin, a communication director at De Queen school district, he and his dedicated students partnered with SWEPCO to produce an educational video about the total solar eclipse. The video features De Queen student journalists and AEP Meteorologist Ed Kieser, who offer valuable information about this rare astronomical event. Public engagement “Public engagement is an important part of what we do at SWEPCO,” said Ed Kieser, AEP Senior Meteorologist. “The Great American Eclipse is a once in a lifetime event for this area and is a unique opportunity for us to interact with students in our communities.”  On Friday, April 5, the educational video will be screened for all students at De Queen High School (DQHS), further enriching their understanding of the upcoming solar eclipse and ensuring they are prepared to view it safely. The video is also available for any classroom or home school student to watch HERE. "It's an honor to work with De Queen and be part of such a significant event in the community," said Jennifer Harland, External Affairs Manager. "We are excited to engage with the community and provide valuable educational resources about the total solar eclipse." Collaboration with SWEPCO For many DQHS students, the lessons they learned because of the project with SWEPCO weren’t confined to an understanding of the cosmos. “This collaboration with SWEPCO showed me how to work as a team and how to follow and lead at the same time,” said Karlie Saldivar, De Queen High School Junior. “I knew that I had a big responsibility since it was going to be watched in other states as well, but I enjoyed it because it showed me what my future could be if I did continue into this field.” Sevierly Dark Fest and Solarbration event As anticipation grows for the upcoming cosmic phenomenon, SWEPCO is also preparing. The company will participate in Sevierly Dark Fest in De Queen on Saturday, April 6, and the Solarbration event at the Arkansas/Texas state line in Texarkana on Monday, April 8. At both events, attendees will have the opportunity to view the educational video, receive free pinhole projectors, and capture solar selfies with SWEPCO’s mascot Louie the Lightning Bug. Eenhancement of educational programs SWEPCO awarded a $1,000 grant to the school district for the enhancement of educational programs within the DQTV classroom. This contribution underscores SWEPCO's dedication to supporting local communities and fostering learning opportunities for students. “When I was asked to do this project, I had no idea what was so cool about the eclipse,” said Penelope Sims, De Queen High School Senior. “Now I'm super excited to watch it. I'm very invested in it now. Getting to partner with SWEPCO and do this has been an amazing opportunity.”