COLUMBUS, Ohio, Sept. 22, 2009 – American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP) has been named one of the “100 Best Companies for Working Mothers” by Working Mother magazine, a national publication targeting career-committed mothers, for the fifth time in eight years.

AEP is the only central Ohio-based company and the only electric utility on the list, which appears in the magazine’s October edition.

The companies that Working Mother recognized were chosen based on a 500-question survey addressing work schedule flexibility, work leave policies, child care, advancement of women, compensation and other work/life issues.

“Once again, we’re very proud to be included on this prestigious list of companies honored by Working Mother,” said Michael G. Morris, AEP chairman, president and chief executive officer. “Given the recent tough economic times, it’s especially important that we continue to support all AEP employees with policies and programs that provide a balance between their work and home lives.“

“We know that our employees have challenges that can affect their daily work, such as finding dependable child care,” said Mary Cofer, director of diversity and culture for AEP. “Providing programs to help them manage these challenges is the right thing to do and also makes good business sense.”

Honored companies will be formally recognized during the annual Working Mother 100 Best Companies Work/Life Congress in New York Oct. 27-29.

AEP received the same recognition in 2008, 2007, 2004 and 2002. Working Mother also has selected AEP as one of the best companies for multicultural women the past four years.

More information about Working Mother, including the list of the 100 best companies, is at www.workingmother.com.

American Electric Power is one of the largest electric utilities in the United States, delivering electricity to more than 5 million customers in 11 states. AEP ranks among the nation’s largest generators of electricity, owning nearly 38,000 megawatts of generating capacity in the U.S. AEP also owns the nation’s largest electricity transmission system, a nearly 39,000-mile network that includes more 765-kilovolt extra-high voltage transmission lines than all other U.S. transmission systems combined. AEP’s transmission system directly or indirectly serves about 10 percent of the electricity demand in the Eastern Interconnection, the interconnected transmission system that covers 38 eastern and central U.S. states and eastern Canada, and approximately 11 percent of the electricity demand in ERCOT, the transmission system that covers much of Texas. AEP’s utility units operate as AEP Ohio, AEP Texas, Appalachian Power (in Virginia and West Virginia), AEP Appalachian Power (in Tennessee), Indiana Michigan Power, Kentucky Power, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, and Southwestern Electric Power Company (in Arkansas, Louisiana and east Texas). AEP’s headquarters are in Columbus, Ohio.