SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) — Sources tell KSLA the SWEPCO bill for Regions Tower has been resolved. There will be no power outages in the building this week.
Last week, a power outage notice was posted on the door of the 500,000-square-foot Regions Tower building in downtown Shreveport.
The 25-story building is located at 333 Texas St.
The utility then issued the following statement on Wednesday (August 21):
“Across our service area, we provide solutions to help our customers manage their energy usage and pay their bills. Disconnecting a customer is always a last resort.
“Unfortunately, this is an issue on the account that the property owner is aware of. Our customer service team is working with the building management group to come up with a workable solution and address the impact on the building’s tenants. It’s kept to a minimum.
“SWEPCO notified us of the pending power outage on Tuesday and plans to shut off power to the building on Monday, August 26 to allow tenants time to make arrangements.”
SWEPCO spokesperson Brooke Rinaudo issued the above statement on Wednesday (August 21), saying that she could not comment on personal account details.
Regions Bank Tower is behind on its electricity bills and SWEPCO has set a service termination date. (KSLA)
The property, owned by Hertz Investment Group, was more than 90 days past due on electric bills worth thousands of dollars, according to a report by the Shreveport-Bossier City Advocates. There were reportedly multiple promises of payment.
Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell told KSLA News 12 on Thursday (Aug. 22) that the building owner has since worked out an agreement with SWEPCO to delay the deadline.
“I just spoke to the president of SWEPCO. He is going to give them a week today, from this Thursday to next Thursday (August 29). If they don’t have the money by then, the power will be cut off. Sho.”
Also on Thursday (August 22), regional banks issued the following statement regarding the situation caused by the public turmoil.
“Although our name is on the tower, it is important to note that Regions Bank does not actually own the property, which means we are responsible for the building’s electricity bill and other architectural As one of the many tenants in the tower, we are actively monitoring the situation and remain hopeful for a resolution from the building owner. In the meantime, we continue to serve our customers in northwest Louisiana and it is business as usual in the region.”
A representative from Regions Bank also stated:
Customers will not be affected by this potential closure Regions Tower contains Regions Bank office space, but does not include retail banking branches All Regions locations in Shreveport Branch banking operations continue to function normally
Hertz Investment Group purchased Regions Tower in 2007. Hertz’s website describes the property as a two-building complex located in the heart of Shreveport’s central business district.
“The property consists of a 25-story Regions Tower and a 16-story Regions Bank Building, both connected by a four-story atrium, with approximately 500,000 square feet of Class A office space. The parking garage attached to this property provides ample open and reserved parking spaces for tenants and visitors and is directly connected to the atrium and elevators. Distinctive architecture dominates Shreveport’s skyline. Its attractive buildings are illuminated by an abundance of floodlights at night, giving it one of the most distinctive identities in the central business district.
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