SHREVEPORT, La. – Customers of SWEPCO now can be notified by text message or email of power outages and the estimated time their service will be restored.

“Outage alerts” by text or email were offered by SWEPCO beginning this week in response to a request by Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell.

“With this new service SWEPCO customers can be informed of problems regardless of where they are at the moment,” Campbell said.

“Storms and power outages are an unfortunate reality in our state.  With modern communications, power companies can tell customers what they need to know quickly so they can plan their response.”

Last summer Campbell asked all electric utilities in Louisiana to send email and text messages to customers when outages occur.  He credited Entergy with being the first power company to do so.

SWEPCO customers may enroll in the service at www.swepco.com.  There is no cost to customers, but phone usage or text charges may apply.

Customers will receive an email, text message or both when an outage has been reported in their area.  Customers are urged to confirm their outage by reporting it at swepco.com or by calling 1-888-218-3919.

Customers will receive updates as crews assess damage and estimate when electric service will be restored.

“We know being without power is an inconvenience,” SWEPCO President and Chief Operating Officer Venita McCellon-Allen said. “These email and text alerts allow SWEPCO to share information with you as soon as it is available.”

Instructions are available at swepco.com or by calling 1-888-216-3523.  For customers with multiple people in a household or business who would each like to receive alerts, each person should register separately at swepco.com.