ASHLAND, KY, May 18, 2005  – Kentucky Power customers in West Liberty and Olive Hill will soon have new electric meters installed as part of the company’s efforts to introduce new automated meter reading technology. Approximately 4,800 customers in those communities will see their current meters replaced with new ones that are capable of being read remotely over power lines.  In most cases, meter readers will no longer have to enter customers’ property to gather meter data.
 
“This is an exciting new technology we are using that allows us to read meters more safely and efficiently with an extremely high degree of accuracy,” said Tom Wiseman, Kentucky Power’s customer service and marketing manager.  “Once the meters are installed, our meter readers will not have to negotiate many obstacles they currently face to get meter readings.  Obstacles like dogs, locked gates and fences, yard debris and others will no longer present the problems they do today.  Instead, they will be able to take meter readings from Kentucky Power substations and offices.  This makes it safer for our employees and more convenient and cost effective for customers.”
 
Customers affected should not notice any difference in their service once the meters are installed.  There is no charge to them for the new meter and their electricity usage will continue to be read accurately. Customers who get new meters will be notified by letter and a door hanger will be left when the installation is complete.  During the installation process, customers will notice a short power interruption to their home.  This is normal and necessary to safely exchange the meters.  A small red light under the new meter’s glass will indicate the system is working properly.  Wiseman said Kentucky Power will use its own employees as well as contractors to install the meters.
 
Installation of the new meters in West Liberty and Olive Hill should begin the week of May 23 and continue for several weeks thereafter.  Customers should direct questions to Kentucky Power’s Customer Solutions Centers at 800-572-1113.

Kentucky Power provides electricity to approximately 175,000 customers in all or parts of 20 Eastern Kentucky counties.  It is a unit of American Electric Power, the nation’s largest electricity generator.  AEP owns more than 36,000 megawatts of generating capacity and is one of the nation’s largest electric utilities, with more than 5 million customers in 11 states.  AEP is based in Columbus, Ohio.