CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (Oct. 5, 2005) – The massive electric power restoration effort in the wake of Hurricane Rita, now in its second week, includes 164 AEP Texas company and contract personnel from south and west Texas, along with more than 630 company and contract personnel from other parts of the 11-state American Electric Power (AEP) system.

When the effort began on Sept. 25, AEP Texas crews first assisted Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) with recovery in Longview, Texas, and Shreveport, La., AEP Texas and SWEPCO are units of AEP. Restoration of the SWEPCO system, which had 190,000 customers without power, was completed Sept. 29.

Crews then moved into southeast Texas to help Entergy Corp. AEP Texas distribution, transmission and substation crews from the company’s Abilene, Corpus Christi, Laredo, San Angelo and San Benito districts are working around Beaumont, Bridge City and Vidor. Entergy reported this morning that 144,000 customers remained without power, including 107,000 in Texas, as crews work in areas with heavier damage and restoration becomes more difficult.

“AEP Texas and AEP emergency restoration planners were prepared during the week of Sept. 19, both internally and in coordination with other utilities, to gather resources and prepare for the restoration of potential electrical system damage,” said Harry Gordon, vice president, AEP Texas distribution region operations. “Staging areas, with food, water, housing, materials and supplies for over 2,500 workers were prepared. Those arrangements were cancelled Sept. 24 as AEP Texas shifted gears to assist SWEPCO or other utilities. We want to thank all the communities, companies and individuals who helped us in those preparations.”

All AEP Texas crews that had been performing restoration work for utilities affected by Hurricane Katrina had returned in time to be ready for Hurricane Rita.

“Once again, AEP Texas is sending its resources to aid other electric utilities as part of a mutual assistance agreement,” said Charles Patton, AEP Texas president and chief operating officer. “When AEP Texas is hit by a major storm, these utilities will, in turn, send crews to help us out.”

AEP Texas has sent personnel from throughout its Texas service territory so that the workforce reduction would not significantly impact one area. The company will focus on priority work in its service territory, and some non-critical projects may be delayed due to the emergency.

“We ask for our customers’ continued patience and understanding during this national crisis as we restore vital electric services to our neighbors in the devastated Gulf Coast region,” Patton said.

AEP Texas, a unit of American Electric Power, delivers electricity to 850,000 homes, businesses and industries in south and west Texas. AEP Texas provides regulated energy delivery service to consumers, regardless of which Retail Electric Provider they choose. The region headquarters is in Corpus Christi.