MCALESTER, OK, DECEMBER 3, 2004 – Public Service Company of Oklahoma recently named Derek Lewellen as manager, distribution for the company’s McAlester District, which encompasses much of southeastern Oklahoma.  Lewellen began his career with PSO in 1989 as a substation design engineer in Tulsa.  From there he moved to Lawton as a substation superintendent and later served as MDS over the Lawton District. 
 
Most recently, Lewellen served as manager, Utility Business Enhancement at AEP’s headquarters in Columbus to work in partnership with the operating companies in the coordination of business development opportunities.
 
Lewellen is a Vinita native and said he looks forward to the opportunity to return to Oklahoma and PSO.
 
“This is an exciting opportunity,” said Lewellen.  “I hope to bring value to PSO with my prior field and corporate experience and to build upon the excellent work done by Natalie McCord.”
 
Lewellen will report to Preston Kissman, vice-president, Distribution in Tulsa.  Kissman said he is happy to welcome Lewellen to the PSO team.
 
“We’re excited to have Derek back with PSO,” said Kissman.  “His knowledge and experience will enable him to hit the ground running and make an immediate impact.”
 
Lewellen and his wife, Kristen have two daughters, Aubrey and Ashley.  His office will be in McAlester.
 
PSO, a unit of American Electric Power, is an electric utility company serving more than 505,000 customers in eastern and southwestern Oklahoma.  Based in Tulsa, PSO has more than 4,000 megawatts of generating capacity and offers some of the lowest energy prices in the United States.
 
PSO’s parent company, American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP), owns more than 36,000 megawatts of generating capacity in the United States and is the nation´s largest electricity generator.  AEP is also one of the largest electric utilities in the United States, with more than 5 million customers linked to AEP’s 11-state electricity transmission and distribution grid.  The company is based in Columbus, Ohio.