At SWEPCO, we’re proud of all the ways we foster growth in our communities. We’re committed to supporting economic development and making smart infrastructure investments that power our communities and improve lives by attracting high-quality jobs, encouraging capital investment, and stimulating local economies. With a network of relationships built over a century of doing business across an expansive three-state territory, our reach is as vast as it is deep.
Often, the history of our company is also intertwined with the history of the communities we serve. For more than a hundred years, we’ve been lighting the way for families to grow and businesses to prosper in communities across Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas.
Community leaders gather to celebrate the lighting installation to showcase Texarkana's iconic Post Office & Federal Courthouse which straddles both the Arkansas and Texas state line.
That rich history has been on display throughout the year as our customers in Texarkana (Arkansas & Texas) celebrated their 150th anniversary. The TXK150 event culminated recently as townspeople and local, state and national leaders came together to mark the founding of Texarkana when, on Dec. 8, 1873, the first town lots were sold.
SWEPCO, known to early Texarkana residents as Texarkana Gas & Electric, played a pivotal role in the creation and subsequent growth of the town. Records show in 1896, Texarkana had grown to include the electric light plant, five miles of streetcar lines, gas works and an estimated population of 14,000. In fact, the original Southwestern Gas and Electric Company was the result of a merger between three utilities owned by brothers Rufus, Henry and Charles Dawes:
- Shreveport Gas, Electric Light and Power Company
- Caddo Gas and Oil Company, and
- Texarkana Gas and Electric Company.
On June 29, 1912, the three companies came together to form the original Southwestern Gas and Electric Company.
“It’s wonderful and inspiring to see how our company has powered a bright future for this town,” explained Jennifer Harland, SWEPCO External Affairs manager. “It’s our privilege to serve all our communities.”
The December celebration included lighting the iconic Texarkana Post Office & Federal Courthouse which straddles the Arkansas and Texas state line. The AEP Foundation, at the recommendation of SWEPCO, was a sponsor for the year-long community engagement event.
In addition to the artistic lighting installation at the iconic Federal building and U.S. Post Office, the event also featured a time capsule to be opened in 2073. SWEPCO contributed safety gear, merch and a thumb drive containing SWEPCO’s 2023 holiday video message.