| Challenge |
Goal |
2008 Progress |
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Engage our stakeholders regularly to build relationships in the communities and states where we operate. We need to be more than a good neighbor; we need to be actively involved with all of our stakeholders.
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A fully developed stakeholder outreach plan, in partnership with business units, that is integrated with existing community outreach activities and creates shared value of sustainable development objectives.
Hold regular stakeholder briefings with environmental, social and community-based NGOs.
Integrate an inclusive stakeholder process with development of annual corporate sustainability report.
Engage investment community in sustainability issues.
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SWEPCO held a stakeholder engagement meeting to receive guidance for its integrated resource plan.
Conducted CEO "Future of Energy" University Listening Tour at six college campuses across the United States; reached out to Net Impact at The Ohio State University and Tulsa Young Professionals.
Worked collaboratively to address NGO concerns related to an energy efficiency collaborative.
Held 10 stakeholder meetings, a conference call briefing and several other individual meetings with stakeholders throughout the year.
Integrated a stakeholder survey and facility tours in stakeholder meetings.
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Without continued employee involvement in the community, AEP’s message may not be heard and relationships would not be as strong.
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Encourage and support employee community involvement; continue $150 volunteer grant award opportunities.
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In 2008, 815 grants of $150 each were made on behalf of active and retired employees who collectively performed nearly 92,000 hours of volunteer service, an economic value of more than $1.7 million.
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Continue philanthropy and corporate giving, even in economic downturns when the support is needed most. Our support is critical to having successful communities and improving quality of life.
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Continue partnership with IBEW for United Way campaign and other community service initiatives.
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$11.9 million donated through corporate giving in 2008.
Contributed $2.87 million in support of colleges and universities. This included matching dollar-for-dollar gifts of more than 760 active and retired employees to 300 institutions of higher learning and related foundations.
AEP employees gave approximately $140,000 to the AEP Emergency Disaster Relief Fund for employees, retirees and others.
The AEP Foundation donated $11.7 million to 75 organizations in 2008.
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Continue to grow support for United Way and other forms of giving, even in economic downturns when support is needed most.
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Continue partnership with IBEW for United Way campaign and other community service initiatives.
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In 2008, employees contributed $2.34 million to United Way; AEP added $1.17 million.
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Increase energy and environmental knowledge of the public, teachers and children in AEP states through educational programs. Achieve the same goal through customer communications.
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Increase awareness and understanding of issues such as electricity prices, energy efficiency and anticipated carbon regulations.
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Started an education series on "Energy, Environment and You" through customer news-letters on topics such as energy efficiency, carbon capture and storage, paperless billing and hybrid vehicles.
In 2008, 1,186 schools, reaching more than 360,000 students, taught electrical safety using AEP’s Louie the Lightning Bug theater.
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Foster regular, open and inclusive communications with employees.
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Ensure employees remain informed in a timely manner about company issues.
Provide opportunities to engage, learn and network.
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Created and implemented plan for greater awareness and understanding of sustainability business strategy using Internet, direct mail, videos and webcasts.
Held first systemwide Environment, Safety & Health Leadership Meeting.
Six internal blogs launched, including a CEO blog and a sustainability blog.
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