AEP Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) has been named a Tree Line USA Utility for the 10th consecutive year in recognition of its national leadership in caring for trees while meeting trimming and customer service objectives. Tree Line USA is a program of The National Arbor Day Foundation, in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters, to encourage proper utility practices that safeguard trees. There are only 114 utilities in the United States that have this designation.
“SWEPCO’s efforts in meeting the Tree Line USA requirements -- a quality tree care program; annual worker training in tree-care practices; and a tree planting and public education program – makes Louisiana an even better place to live,” says Bonnie Stine, urban forestry specialist with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry.
            “We’re honored to be named a Tree Line USA Utility for a decade,” says Nick Akins, SWEPCO’s president in Shreveport. “Our tree management program takes tree health into consideration through proper pruning techniques to reduce power outages and improve service reliability.”
            SWEPCO’s customer awareness activities include door hangers, civic group presentations, electric bill inserts, personal visits and brochures. “SWEPCO is committed to balancing the economic benefit of trees with the equally important need to provide reliable electricity to our customers,” says Akins.
            The National Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit education organization dedicated to tree planting and environmental stewardship.