AEP Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) customers in East and North Texas should consider shopping tax-free this Memorial Day weekend. “This will be a great opportunity to make purchases if you are thinking of replacing a worn-out appliance or just simply want to save money on your electric bill,” says Phil Watkins, SWEPCO manager, energy efficiency and consumer programs.

            As part of legislation passed by the 80^th Texas Legislature in 2007 under energy provisions in House Bill 3693, a sales-tax free holiday was set up for certain ENERGY STAR® appliances and systems purchased over the three days. This tax-free event offers customers the opportunity to take advantage of savings on these ENERGY STAR® certified energy-efficient products only: refrigerators with a sales price not to exceed $2,000, dishwashers, clothes washers, ceiling fans, dehumidifiers and fluorescent light bulbs. Central and room air conditioner units also are eligible if the sales price does not exceed $6,000.

            The tax-free appliance sales apply only to purchases made between 12:01 a.m. Saturday, May 28 and 11:59 p.m. Monday, May 30 (Memorial Day). The ENERGY STAR® program is a joint venture of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

            “Texans now have the opportunity to purchase an energy efficient appliance without paying sales tax, “adds Watkins. “The consumer also will benefit from the reduced energy consumption by the appliance. Our Northeast Texas legislators were commended for this incentive program.”

            This tax-free weekend is just one provision of House Bill 3693, which was co-authored by State Representative Bryan Hughes of Mineola. Other benefits of the comprehensive Energy Conservation Incentive Program required state agencies to purchase more energy-efficient equipment and appliances. Additionally, public school trustees must reduce a school district’s annual electric consumption by five percent each year for six years starting back in September 2007.

            To see the complete version of House Bill 3693, go to:

http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/80R/billtext/doc/HB03693F.doc

            SWEPCO serves 520,400 customers in three states, including 180,000 in East and North Texas. SWEPCO’s headquarters are in Shreveport, La. News releases and other information about SWEPCO can be found at www.swepco.com.