BRIDGMAN, Mich., April 24, 2003 - Both units of the American Electric Power’s [NYSE:AEP] Cook Nuclear Plant were taken off-line early this morning because of an influx of fish in the plant’s cooling water system. Plant operators activated the plant’s emergency plan at the Alert level because of a concern with the potential loss of cooling water to essential plant equipment. An Alert is the second level of the four-step emergency plan.

Both Units 1 and 2 are currently shutdown and stable. Operators are working to clear the fish and continuing to monitor the cooling water systems.

Activation of the emergency plan included notification of state, federal and Berrien County officials. The emergency plan will remain in effect until concerns about the cooling systems are resolved. No decision about return-to-service of the units has been made.