F EATURED S TORIES

It was a cold and stormy night April 13, in Lawton, Oklahoma, which is southwest of Oklahoma City. Brian Gibbs, a Transmission line supervisor, was driving in heavy rain on Interstate 44 on his way to inspect a line issue near Comanche Power Station, when he spied an upside-down car in a ditch down below the road.

When buying a car, there are countless variables to consider. Sedan or SUV? Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive? And now, gasoline or electric? AEP Ohio is simplifying buying a new car with an online tool to help car buyers compare the total cost of owning and operating an electric vehicle (EV) with that of a traditional gasoline- or diesel-powered vehicle.  

Social media can keep you in touch with loved ones and help you stay up to date on the news, and now it can even get you answers about your electric service. American Electric Power is making customer service more accessible thanks to a team of professionals dedicated to addressing customers’ needs through social media.

As a little girl growing up in Houston, Texas, Kimberly Hughes’ mom urged her to “learn how to carry yourself and be a strong leader.” Heeding her mother’s advice, Kimberly joined the Girl Scouts, which marks its 107^th anniversary as Women’s History Month wraps up.

An army of employee volunteers garnered recognition and praise for AEP, winner of the 2019 Medical Mutual Pillar Award for Community Service.

The honor recognizes AEP’s strong presence in the central Ohio community, both in terms of volunteers and financial contributions.  The company was nominated by LifeCare Alliance, which provides a wide range of health and nutrition services to older adults and medically challenged residents. Serving as LifeCare Alliance volunteers, AEP employees have delivered more than 100,000 meals to homebound seniors over the last 15 years.

When it comes to strengthening our communities, our team has big goals for the year. And, we’re excited to pitch in, one volunteer act at a time.

People who are acquainted with Trevor Sthultz know him at AEP for his roles in change management, strategic problem solving, continuous improvement and leadership. What they may not know is that he uses those same skills in a new responsibility he has as lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserves. 

Gifts ranging from toys and fresh fruit to scarves, gloves and hats were handed out by some 120 volunteers aboard the 76th Santa Train. Among the volunteers were several Appalachian Power employees and their spouses. Appalachian Power was a major sponsor of the event for the second year in a row.

Like a lot of people this time of year, Jim Carlson and his wife Suzanne throw a Christmas party for friends, family and neighbors.  Their guests have come to expect at least three things. The party is always the first Saturday night in December. The Ohio State game will be on TV, “no matter how painful it is to watch.”  At least one of the Christmas trees will be bare.  

Huckleberry House provides support to youth and families in Central Ohio who are dealing with abuse, poverty, homelessness and other life challenges. The organization got a little support of its own when American Electric Power lit up the house with Christmas lights.