SHREVEPORT, La. — Southwestern Electric Power Co. kicked off its 2026 Louisiana Commercial Solutions Program this month with an energy efficiency workshop aimed at contractors and industry partners serving commercial and industrial customers across the state.
The workshop, held Dec. 4, brought together more than 20 contractors and company representatives to review strategies for reducing energy consumption and improving efficiency in non-residential facilities. The Commercial Solutions Program is scheduled to launch Jan. 19, 2026, and will offer financial incentives for energy-saving upgrades in facilities served by SWEPCO.
The program supports both new construction and retrofit projects by providing incentives for high-efficiency equipment, helping businesses reduce electricity demand and long-term energy costs while meeting or exceeding state and federal efficiency standards.
“This workshop is about empowering our partners with the tools and knowledge they need to deliver real energy savings,” said Kansas Cooley, SWEPCO energy efficiency and consumer programs coordinator associate. “By working together, we can help customers upgrade to efficient technologies that reduce costs and support sustainability.”
SWEPCO officials said the program is designed to lower upfront costs for businesses while generating long-term savings. Company representatives noted that reduced energy demand can also benefit communities through improved sustainability and by allowing businesses to reinvest savings locally.
“Our goal is to make participation simple and rewarding,” said Debra Miller, SWEPCO energy efficiency and consumer programs manager. “These programs not only benefit businesses financially but also strengthen our communities by promoting responsible energy use.”
Eligible measures under the Commercial Solutions Program include incentives for HVAC systems, LED lighting, heat pump water heaters, smart thermostats and advanced controls such as variable frequency drives and demand-controlled ventilation. Participation is open to commercial customers, contractors and energy service companies.
Workshop attendee Jon Carnes of AIM Companies, a division of Tavoron, said many facilities continue to operate with outdated systems. “Upgrading to technologies like variable speed drives can save customers thousands of dollars each month,” Carnes said.
SWEPCO said the workshop marked the start of expanded energy efficiency efforts in Louisiana ahead of the program’s January launch.