Appliance Recycling Program Raises Incentive to $60 for Old Fridges, Freezers

Gahanna, Ohio, July 14, 2014 – To commemorate the opening of a new recycling facility, AEP Ohio, a unit of American Electric Power (NYSE:AEP), is raising the incentive for customers who choose to retire and recycle their energy inefficient refrigerators and freezers.

            Now through August 31, customers will receive $60 when they recycle their old refrigerators and freezers through AEP Ohio’s appliance recycling program. The program, which offers free home pickup of working refrigerators and freezers for utility customers, has recycled over 72,000 refrigerators and freezers since it launched in 2009. Units are transported to a new recycling facility in Groveport operated by JACO Environmental. JACO safely removes hazardous materials from the old energy-guzzlers, reclaiming 95 percent of the materials in the appliances for reuse in manufacturing new products. Even the foam insulation is safely incinerated to generate electricity.

            In addition to the $60 incentive, customers who have an inefficient refrigerator removed from their home can save up to $150 a year in electricity costs. Due to outdated technology in older appliances, old refrigerators and freezers can use as much as three times more electricity than newer models built to much higher energy efficiency standards.

             “This new recycling facility not only increases our ability to keep up with demand, but it demonstrates our dedication to Ohio’s energy efficiency efforts,” said Deanna Gilliland, AEP Ohio program manager. “With a simple phone call, our customers can schedule a free pickup of their appliance, save money, help the environment, and for a limited time, receive an increased $60 incentive for choosing to recycle.”

            AEP Ohio makes it simple for customers to save with the convenient pick-up of appliances at no cost. To participate in the program, AEP Ohio customers can simply call 877.545.4112, or visit AEPOhio.com/WasteLess. The program is limited to the removal of two units per household. Appliances to be recycled must be in working order, with inside measurements between 10 and 30 cubic feet — standard size for most models.

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            Investor-owned utilities in Ohio are required to meet specific energy reduction targets. AEP Ohio’s overall energy efficiency and peak demand response efforts were established to meet the State of Ohio target of reducing electricity consumption 22 percent by the end of 2025.  For more information about AEP Ohio’s energy efficiency consumer programs, events and tips, visit AEPOhio.com/WasteLess.

            AEP Ohio provides electricity to nearly 1.5 million customers of major AEP subsidiary Ohio Power Company in Ohio. AEP Ohio is based in Gahanna, Ohio, and is a unit of American Electric Power. News and information about AEP Ohio can be found at AEPOhio.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 more than 40,000-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 and north Texas). AEP’s headquarters are in Columbus, Ohio. News releases and other information about AEP can be found at aep.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

AEP Ohio

Fay White

866/641-1151

aepohiomediarelations@aep.com