SHREVEPORT, La., September 10, 2009 – AEP Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) wants East Texas residents to know about the weather.  The company has been a sponsor of Weatherline® forecast service since its Longview debut in January 1995.  During the last 14 years, this free local service, found at 234-1000, has logged over 11 million calls.

"With so many media choices today, people value a reliable, simple solution for getting important information, “ said Roger Allen, Vice President of Weatherline, Inc.  “Weatherline® forecast service allows communities to stay up to date on fast changing weather conditions in East Texas."

In addition to a short company message, callers of 234-1000 get the time, temperature and weather, presented by a meteorological service.  “The easy-to-remember phone number allows Longview area residents to make a free local call.  And, with cell phones so commonplace, the service truly is portable,” Allen said.

"The weather information is accurate, convenient and it provides an opportunity for SWEPCO to share timely safety and energy savings tips with our customers as well," said Scott McCloud, SWEPCO spokesman in Shreveport.

Founded over 40 years ago in St. Louis, MO, Weatherline, Inc. is the largest private provider of weather information by phone in the United States.  Weatherline, Inc. operates similar forecast services in about 100 cities nationwide.