CHARLESTON, W.Va., March 1, 2012 – Appalachian Power and Wheeling Power, both subsidiaries of American Electric Power (AEP), today requested an extension in the filing requirement for their annual Expanded Net Energy Cost (ENEC) filing, which is scheduled to be made on March 1 each year.

In the request made to the Public Service Commission (PSC) of West Virginia, Appalachian asked for an extension of up to 30 days to make the filing, saying that in light of the magnitude of the costs involved, it is working to develop an alternative approach that will keep customer rates stable. The ENEC charge reimburses the company for past and ongoing costs of fuel (primarily coal) and purchased power.

The W.Va. Legislature is considering legislation that would allow the Commission to authorize the issuance of Consumer Rate Relief Bonds to moderate or eliminate the need for an ENEC rate increase this year. The company’s requested extension is to await the final form and fate of the proposed legislation before making its ENEC rate filing to the PSC.

Also today, the company filed a program review of its Energy Efficiency/Demand Response Program. No rate change is proposed this year related to the program.