Skip to main content

Welcome to Arkansas

It’s where global success is made. AEP-served Northwest Arkansas is one of the top growing metro areas in the country and includes the University of Arkansas and Walmart’s headquarters. Over 100 Fortune 500 companies leverage advantages found only in this neck of the woods – including one of the lowest costs of doing business in the nation and a formidable logistics hub that includes three Class 1 rail systems, three ocean ports, four Mississippi River terminals and three of the nation’s busiest interstates, running east-west and north-south.

Select your site

Come with Us

Whether it’s energy resiliency or costs, Arkansas industry can count on AEP’s Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) to help provide a solution. We power over 60 communities in 13 counties in Western Arkansas, the epicenter of a region that spans to Dallas, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Kansas City, St. Louis, and Memphis. Let us get you where you want to be.

Eric Basinger

Contact Eric Basinger, CEcD, Manager of Economic and Business Development

  • I build communities and grow economic opportunities. Been doing it for more than 20 years. My experience as an economic development director for multiple counties in Alabama, as well as in Bradenton, Florida, gives me insight on meeting community needs. Most recently, I led recruitment and expansion projects for GKN Aerospace, Hanil USA and Tropicana.
  • Successful collaboration stems from a strong foundation in local relationships. Having worked on different sides of the negotiation table, I help your team anticipate needs and create win-win solutions that propel you to the finish line, staying focused on what’s important to you.
  • I’m extremely knowledgeable about the South. I was born here, raised here and graduated from two of its institutions, University of West Alabama and Auburn University. I am a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) through the International Economic Development Council and am a board member of the Northwest Louisiana Economic Partnership. I am a member of the Southwest Arkansas Economic Development Alliance and the Right Corner of Texas marketing alliance in Northeast Texas.

Lay of the Land

SWEPCO serves over 80,000 commercial and industrial customers in the Natural State.

Is your location served by AEP?

Map your location

Key Industries in Arkansas

Energy & Chemicals

Food & Beverage

Metals

Paper & Timber

Boundless Advantages

Arkansas has the 2nd highest percentage of manufacturing employment in the South, per the National Association of Manufacturers, and the 9th lowest cost of doing business (NBC) and cost of living (C2ER). Here are more reasons to choose Arkansas.

In Arkansas, the state unemployment rate is consistently below the national average.

44 campuses of higher education create a strong pipeline of talent in Arkansas.

Arkansas is a right-to-work state with the 6th lowest union membership rate.

Arkansas has the 12th largest network of highways, plus 1,000 miles of navigable waterways and 4 ports.

For more, visit the Arkansas Economic Development webpage.

Boundless Energy in Arkansas

We bring energy solutions to meet your biggest challenges. Choose Arkansas, and look forward to the following support from us.

Cost-competitive electric rates

SWEPCO’s industrial electricity rates are below the national average.

Economic development riders

Qualifying Arkansas customers can receive 3-year demand reductions based on their energy use. Customers with new loads or expansions of 500kW or more can receive reductions of 50% in year 1, 40% in year 2 and 30% in year 3. Customers with new loads between 200kW – 499kW can receive reductions of 35% in year 1, 25% in year 2 and 15% in year 3.

Energy efficiency programs

Save money and energy with our energy efficiency programs.

Customized energy solutions

Whether it’s robust transmission capacity, renewables or advisory services, our energy capabilities can be customized for your needs.

More energy solutions

AEP’s John W. Turk, Jr. Plant (Fulton, Arkansas) is one of the most efficient coal-fueled plants and the first ultra-supercritical unit in operation in the country.

Proximity Map

Featured Sites

Hope Highway 32 Industrial Site

This 378-acre site is zoned for industrial use with close access to US 30. Infrastructure and utilities are easily accessible, on site, and/or available for expansion.

View more

Prescott Industrial Park

This 126-acre site is located adjacent to I-30 and the Arkansas Midland A Genesee & Wyoming Company Shortline Railroad. This site is city-owned and zoned industrial with utilities available.

View more

See All Arkansas Sites