With assistance from multiple departments within SWEPCO, the ribbon was cut on a much-anticipated grand opening of the new Travel Centers of Americas truck stop and EV charging station near Hosston, Louisiana. 

“This is what we do,” expressed Jeff Thigpen, SWEPCO Alternate Energy Resource Manager while addressing a large crowd of Caddo Parish and state leaders during the Friday, April 5, 2024, grand opening. 

“It’s really forward thinking. They put electric charging on site here, and it’s the only one between Shreveport and Texarkana,” continued Thigpen. 

Traveling from Redwater, Texas back to their home in Atlanta, George, Rebecca and Jonathon Pratcher were thrilled to discover the EV charger in the parking lot of the brand-new truck stop on LA 2 at Interstate 49, the halfway point between Shreveport and Texarkana. 

“I’m so glad this one is here. I had seen it on the map but didn’t know where it was,” shared Rebecca. She added that her car’s EV map had already been updated with this new charging location. 

Multiple members from SWEPCO’s engineering, distribution, and alternate energy departments were credited for their assistance in getting this project through the planning and construction phases, especially since it is in such a rural spot along the north Caddo interstate corridor.  

Louisiana State Senator Sam Jenkins pointed out the TA Express will also provide a major boost to the economy. 

“Economic development and jobs are critically important in this area of Caddo Parish,” Jenkins pointed out. “We are happy to have jobs coming to this area and we’re thinking this is the beginning of many great things along I-49.”