CHARLESTON, W.Va., August 7, 2007 – High temperatures settling into Appalachian Power’s service territory this week are expected to increase electric consumption in the region as customers strive to stay cool. While the company expects to have sufficient capacity in the region to meet this increased electric demand, Appalachian encourages all of its customers to use electricity wisely.

The company offers the following summer cooling tips:

·         Adjust your thermostat on your air conditioner or heat pump. Raising your thermostat just two degrees can cut up to eight percent off your cooling costs. The company recommends a summer setting of 78 degrees Fahrenheit.

·         Close drapes or blinds during the hottest part of the day to keep the heat out and the cool air inside.

·         Do chores requiring electric appliances during the morning or evening.

·         Make sure your filters are clean. Clean or replace cooling filters approximately once a month. Dirty filters cause electric appliances to work harder and consume more electricity.

Keeping your home cool is the largest part of your summer electric consumption. For more energy-saving tips, visit www.AppalachianPower.com.

Appalachian Power has about 1 million customers in Virginia, West Virginiaand Tennessee (as AEP Appalachian Power). It is a unit of American Electric Power, one of the largest electric utilities in the United States, which delivers 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. 
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