COLUMBUS, Ohio, Oct. 25, 2001 - A. Christopher Bakken III has been named senior vice president responsible for American Electric Power’s (NYSE: AEP) nuclear generation. Bakken is responsible for all aspects of AEP’s two-unit Cook Nuclear Plant in Bridgman, Mich., and oversight of AEP’s 25 percent ownership of the South Texas Project Electric Generating Station in Bay City, Texas.

Bakken continues to report to Robert Powers, formerly chief nuclear officer who was recently named an AEP executive vice president.

“Chris’s proven leadership and safety focus through the restart of the Cook units and now during full operation will serve AEP well,” said Powers. “This is an important period as we continue to move the Cook units to improved performance, apply for license renewal and work with the industry and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to address security issues following the events of Sept. 11.”

Bakken joined AEP in April 1999 as site vice president for the Cook Nuclear Plant. He previously held a variety of positions at Public Service Electric & Gas Co.’s Salem Generating Station and Duquesne Light Co.’s Beaver Valley Nuclear Station. He earned a Master of Science degree in industrial administration from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pa., and a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from Grove City College, Grove City, Pa. He held his senior reactor operator license while working at Beaver Valley.

American Electric Power is a multinational energy company based in Columbus, Ohio. AEP owns and operates more than 38,000 megawatts of generating capacity, making it America’s largest generator of electricity. The company is also a leading wholesale energy marketer and trader, ranking second in the U.S. in electricity volume with a growing presence in natural gas. AEP provides retail electricity to more than 7 million customers worldwide and has holdings in the U.S. and select international markets. Wholly owned subsidiaries are involved in power engineering and construction services, energy management and telecommunications.