FAYETTEVILLE, ARK. (October 9, 2024)—Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO), an electric utility serving more than 553,000 customers across Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas, is celebrating ENERGY STAR Day by showcasing its energy efficiency programs that have made significant strides in promoting energy conservation and sustainability across its service territories.
 

Through its commitment to promoting ENERGY STAR® certified™ product upgrades – from heating and cooling systems to water heaters and home envelope improvements – SWEPCO has made a lasting impact. In 2023 alone, SWEPCO’s energy efficiency initiatives resulted in about 16.3 GWh in annual energy savings and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to removing 2,571 cars from the roads. Key to this success is SWEPCO's focus on the ENERGY STAR™ Home Upgrade program, accelerating efficient electrification in thousands of homes with certified heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, smart thermostats, insulation and windows. The program is available through SWEPCO in Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas.

Building on these energy efficiency initiatives, SWEPCO is proud to announce the completion of a nine-home pocket neighborhood in the Walker Park area of Fayetteville, Arkansas – the first ENERGY STAR Certified™ net-zero community of its kind in the state. The homes, developed in partnership with Dakota Development, showcase SWEPCO’s New Homes Program in action by incorporating energy-efficient technologies that reduce energy use and improve sustainability.

“The pocket neighborhood development is a perfect example of how we can build communities that are energy-efficient, sustainable, and affordable for homeowners,” said Kent Tomlinson, Energy Efficiency Coordinator at SWEPCO. “Through our New Homes Program, we support developers like Lawrence Finn in creating homes that not only exceed local building codes but also provide lasting energy savings for future residents.”

Located on the south side of 11th Street, the pocket neighborhood is an inspiring model for sustainable living and community revitalization. As the first ENERGY STAR Certified™ net-zero development in Northwest Arkansas, the project showcases a range of energy-saving features such as high-efficiency heat pumps, smart thermostats, energy-efficient lighting and appliances, EV charger outlets and induction cooking.

The SWEPCO New Homes Program provides up to $4,000 in incentives per home for builders and developers who incorporate these energy-saving features. Working closely with the community, SWEPCO’s team, including Tomlinson and Sales Advisor Mark Stump, played a pivotal role in supporting the development by offering resources and guidance to realize Finn’s vision of a sustainable neighborhood.

“This project not only aligns with SWEPCO’s goal of energy efficiency but also reflects a true partnership with the developer and local community,” said Tomlinson. “It’s exciting to see how energy-efficient design can positively impact a neighborhood and set an example for sustainable living.”

Learn more about our energy saving programs at SWEPCO.com/savings.

For more information about this development or SWEPCO’s NEW HOMES program contact Kent Tomlinson, SWEPCO, 479-973-2442, kbtomlinson@aep.com.