ROANOKE, Va., June 23, 2009 – Most people use more electricity to cool or heat their homes and businesses during summer or winter than they do at other times of the year. Higher electric consumption and the associated higher bills can sometimes throw a family budget out of whack. Customers can more easily manage their budget by signing up for Appalachian Power’s Average Monthly Payment (AMP) plan.

The Average Monthly Payment option uses a monthly payment amount based on a rolling 12-month average. The monthly payment amount fluctuates, increasing and decreasing as older bills drop out of the average and new bills are included. Mixing higher bill amounts from summer or winter with lower bill amounts from fall and spring produces an average cost. AMP allows customers to know an approximate bill amount each month, and with no highs or lows, it especially benefits customers on fixed incomes.

For answers to questions about Average Monthly Payment or any other of a host of payment options contact Appalachian Power’s Customer Solutions Center anytime (in Tennessee at 1-800-967-4237, in Virginia at 1-800-956-4237, and in West Virginia at 1-800-982-4237) or visit www.appalachianpower.com. To reduce electric costs even more, visit www.wattwhyandhow.com for energy saving tips.