SWEPCO changes course; will waive late fees, offers other solutions amid high fuel rates

Makenzie Boucher, Shreveport Times
·1 min read

Southwestern Electric Power Co. will be helping residential customers facing high bills due to increased demand and rising fuel costs.

This decision came after a statement was released on Thursday by SWEPCO stating they would continue to perform disconnections as allowed by Louisiana law.

SWEPCO statement:

“The city council’s resolution does not prevent SWEPCO from disconnecting residential customers. SWEPCO disconnects customers in accordance with rules established by the Louisiana Public Service Commission."

On Tuesday, Malcolm Smoak, SWEPCO president and Chief Operating Officer said “we understand customers are concerned about the rising cost of electricity across our region as we have experienced record-breaking heat this summer coupled with rising fuel costs."

More: SWEPCO responds after Shreveport council urges company to temporarily ban disconnections

All SWEPCO residential customers will be able to get their late fees waived as well as take advantage of an extended payment plan that gives them up to 12 months to pay their bill in full. “We want to give customers every opportunity to keep their electric service connected at home. These new measures will allow customers the ability to continue paying toward their electric bill while giving them peace of mind knowing they will remain connected to their service,” said Smoak.

These flexible options will be available through Oct. 31, 2022.

Residential customers wishing to get late fees and deposits waived must call 1-888-216-3523 to speak with a SWEPCO representative who can also help set them up on an extended payment plan.

“I appreciate SWEPCO working to make flexible payment arrangements for customers during this difficult period,” said Foster Campbell, North Louisiana Public Service Commissioner.

Read: Shreveport leaders weigh in on $22 million infrastructure improvements

Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: SWEPCO is helping customers in response to rising fuel prices