Shreveport, LA (December 2,2024) – In partnership with SporTran and the City of Shreveport, SWEPCO unveiled a new look for SporTran’s newest electric bus.
The vibrant red wrap enhances the visibility of public transportation in Shreveport and SWEPCO hopes it will also bring attention to how customers can find helpful resources to manage their utility bills. Also prominently displaying a QR code and URL to SWEPCO.com/billhelp, customers can log into their account and complete a short survey that will offer help and solutions for every budget.
The Proterra ZX5, the latest electric bus from Proterra, comes fully equipped with state-of-the-art technology and is powered by four batteries. It features automatic regenerative braking, which generates and stores power while braking, further extending the bus's driving range. Designed for passenger comfort, the bus includes 38 seats, accommodations for two mobility devices, an automatic wheelchair ramp, and essential safety features like a fire extinguisher and two emergency hatches.
“We are excited to visibly promote our message of help for our customers,” said VP of External Affairs William Bradford, Jr. “At SWEPCO, "We're Here to Help" with tools and resources and that’s a message we’re happy to have rolling through the streets of our community.”
SWEPCO previously promoted the benefits of going electric in transportation. This latest EV bus wrap continues SWEPCO's ongoing partnership with SporTran and the City of Shreveport.
“At SporTran we take pride in powering our fleet with clean energy vehicles like our Proterra EV buses. We believe in promoting cost-efficient, sustainable public transportation solutions through our commitment to No/Low emissions standards and we welcome SWEPCO’s message of help as a mobile reminder to the community,” said Dinero Washington, SporTran’s Chief Executive Officer.
The bus promotion campaign is timely as Louisiana recently opened its application window to receive applications from residents who need help with their winter heating costs. The utility assistance program known as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, LIHEAP is a federally funded program available nationally. In Louisiana, the winter heating application window opened in mid-November.
"LIHEAP funds are administered in each Louisiana parish. The funds are first-come, first-serve, and we want to make sure SWEPCO customers know help is available and the time to apply is now,” Bradford explained.” A helpful place to start is by logging into your account and completing the survey at swepco.com/billhelp.”
Income-eligible Louisiana residents who need help with their winter heating bills should apply now through LIHEAP as funds are limited across the state.
The holidays are often a time when budgets are stretched and we’re happy to offer customers some additional ways to manage their winter heating bills.
"We are committed to providing our customers with valuable resources to help them manage their utility bills," said Brett Mattison, SWEPCO president. "We encourage anyone who may need assistance to explore our various programs designed to support them through seasonal billing challenges."
SWEPCO customers can take advantage of SWEPCO's affordability tool by simply scanning the QR code on the bus or logging into their SWEPCO account. By answering a few simple questions at swepco.com/billhelp, customers can discover the personalized assistance available to them.
MEDIA CONTACTS: SWEPCO Corporate Communications?
Amanda Keeney | Michelle Marcotte | Shantell Jordan | Brooke Rinaudo
For media inquiries about power outages, local media matters, power plants, public safety, public policy, regulatory, environmental, and other statewide issues, please call our 24/7 media information line at 318.673.3060. For industry and corporate issues, please contact AEP’s corporate media relations office at 614.716.1000.