In northwestern Arkansas, a $200,000 pledge from the AEP Foundation will help preserve, protect and restore the Illinois River watershed through public education, community outreach and demonstration projects to foster adoption of best management practices. Designated as one of three top priority watersheds in Arkansas, the Illinois River faces several pollution issues that will be addressed through education and outreach to property owners, teachers, students, civic organizations, construction contractors, farmers and others. Targeted stakeholders will be encouraged to implement management practices to preserve the watershed and improve water quality.

Oklahoma’s first forestry-based carbon sequestration project – capturing carbon through restoration of bottomland hardwood forest – earned AEP’s Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) operating unit a pair of environmental awards in 2010. The AEP-funded carbon sequestration project involving the acquisition and donation to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service of 320 acres of land adjacent to the Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge near Okmulgee netted PSO a Green Award for Sustainability from the Oklahoma State University Environmental Science Graduate Program and the Frank Condon Award for Environmental Excellence from the Environmental Federation of Oklahoma. The project is expected to capture more than 77,000 tons of carbon in its growing hardwood forests.

Energy efficiency programs across AEP’s seven operating companies are helping customers save money and reduce energy production impacts on the environment. Dubbed SMART programs, the various initiatives target residential, commercial and industrial customers, and many include educational programs for students and teachers that help future consumers understand how their energy use choices impact their pocketbooks and the environment. From installation of interactive smart meters to incentives to purchase high-efficiency equipment and lighting, AEP’s energy efficiency programs are enabling customers to use energy wisely while living and working efficiently, effectively and comfortably