GAHANNA, Ohio, September 28, 2022 – As Hurricane Ian moves closer to landfall, utility companies are anticipating widespread outages and have asked for assistance. AEP Ohio is sending nearly 590 employees and contractors (line personnel, tree crews, damage assessors and crew supervisors) from throughout its service territory to both Florida and Georgia to help with anticipated power restoration needs.
AEP Ohio employees and contractors have been dispatched in waves over the past few days, with damage assessment teams stationed in Florida and line crews en route to Georgia. Crews have packed for at least a two-week deployment to help with restoration efforts.
For decades, utility companies across the country have come together when disasters strike. Having extra hands on deck can help get power back on faster for customers impacted by the storm.
“Our neighbors in the south are in need and we’re committed to doing our part,” said Marc Reitter, AEP Ohio President and Chief Operating Officer. "We’re thankful for our dedicated employees and contractors who leave at a moment’s notice to lend a helping hand and for those who remain at home to keep the power on."
About AEP Ohio
AEP Ohio is based in Gahanna, Ohio, and is a unit of American Electric Power. AEP Ohio provides electricity to 1.5 million customers. News and information about AEP Ohio can be found at AEPOhio.com.
American Electric Power, based in Columbus, Ohio, is powering a cleaner, brighter energy future for its customers and communities. AEP’s approximately 16,700 employees operate and maintain the nation’s largest electricity transmission system and more than 224,000 miles of distribution lines to safely deliver reliable and affordable power to 5.5 million regulated customers in 11 states. AEP also is one of the nation’s largest electricity producers with approximately 31,000 megawatts of diverse generating capacity, including more than 7,100 megawatts of renewable energy. The company’s plans include growing its renewable generation portfolio to approximately 50% of total capacity by 2030. AEP is on track to reach an 80% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from 2000 levels by 2030 and has committed to achieving net zero by 2050. AEP is recognized consistently for its focus on sustainability, community engagement, and diversity, equity and inclusion. AEP’s family of companies includes utilities 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, east Texas and the Texas Panhandle). AEP also owns AEP Energy, which provides innovative competitive energy solutions nationwide. For more information, visit aep.com.