News Releases

Central Ohio is under an extreme cold watch, with temperatures forecasted to sink to single digits during the day and as low as 20 degrees below zero at night. Extreme weather can lead to significantly increased energy demand, placing pressure on the electric grid. AEP Ohio, an American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) company, is closely monitoring the weather and is providing information to help customers better prepare for winter weather.

AEP Ohio, an American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) company, today filed a stipulation with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) to approve its latest plan for improving power grid reliability and resiliency, and for preventing or shortening outages. 

While weather can be unpredictable, AEP Ohio works hard to prepare the electric grid and customers for the unexpected. From trimming trees away from power lines to updating equipment and adding smart technology, crews work year-round to proactively maintain and improve the system to help prevent power outages. 

Utility Scam Awareness Day is Wednesday, Nov. 20. AEP Ohio is reminding customers to stay alert because scammers typically become more active during the holiday season.

AEP Ohio has filed a settlement agreement that addresses the extreme power needs of Ohio’s growing data center industry while protecting AEP Ohio’s other customers. The staff of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC), the Ohio Energy Group (OEG), Ohio Partners for Affordable Energy, and Walmart joined AEP Ohio in the filing.

AEP Ohio invites the public to learn more about upcoming transmission power line improvements in Fairfield County. Announced this summer, the West Lancaster – West Millersport Transmission Line Rebuild Project involves rebuilding about 15 miles of 138-kilovolt power lines and upgrading two substations in Lancaster and Baltimore. 

Marc Reitter, AEP Ohio president and chief operating officer, releases a statement regarding the Unsupported Data Center Stipulation.

To provide more reliable electric service to our customers, AEP Ohio will temporarily close I-270 while crews upgrade the power grid with the installation of electric power poles and wires. Rolling roadblocks will occur in 15-minute intervals while crews complete the work.

Around-the-clock restoration efforts continue across southern Ohio following severe weather from Hurricane Helene. As of 2:30 p.m., just under 6,700 customers remain without power. Over 92% of the 83,000 customers affected at the height of the storm have been restored. 

Field personnel have restored power to approximately 83% of customers since extreme wind and rain from Hurricane Helene crossed Ohio. About 13,600 customers remain without electricity since the height of the storm when 83,000 were affected.