SWEPCO Says No Rolling Blackouts as Summer Bills Rise in Louisiana

Southwest Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) external‑affairs manager Michael Corbin told KEEL News that the regional grid remains stable and that residential customers should not expect rolling blackouts, even after the U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order on July 26 allowing the Southwest Power Pool to tap idle and backup generation across its 17‑state footprint.

Corbin warned that prolonged heat will push electricity demand and consumer bills higher in the coming billing cycles. He advised customers to raise thermostats one or two degrees where feasible, keep HVAC systems maintained, and consider SWEPCO incentives for smart thermostats, insulation and other energy‑saving upgrades. Payment options such as an average‑monthly‑payment plan or a prepaid "Pay As You Go" program are also available for those needing bill assistance.