At AEP, we strive to work with integrity, responsibility and fairness. Our Code
of Conduct helps to ensure that we operate to the highest standards of integrity and legal compliance. Employees are trained and must certify their understanding of and compliance with this code. The office of Ethics & Compliance operates a 24/7 hotline that allows employees to anonymously report or seek guidance on ethics and compliance issues. In 2008, 576 calls were handled, which was an increase from 476 cases in 2007. We think the increased volume results from more communication with employees and greater employee trust that their contacts will be kept confidential and not result in retribution.
AEP started an ethics and compliance employee blog on the company's intranet. The blog is one of the tools we use to connect with employees and enable the sharing of ideas, questions, thoughts, frustrations and opinions. Each week, the director of Ethics & Compliance posts a new discussion topic.
AEP's enterprise risk reporting focuses on providing information and education about our risks. This helps
us to understand our risks and take actions to mitigate them where appropriate. Monthly reporting and risk executive committee discussions encompass both existing and emerging risks from all sectors of the company. The risks and commitments addressed in this report are part of our ongoing enterprise risk reporting process.
