ROANOKE, Va., Feb. 17, 1998 -- Appalachian Power Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP), today announced 1997 annual maintenance and replacement requirements of approximately $58,900,000 under its Mortgage and Deed of Trust with Bankers Trust Co., as Trustee. Cash will be deposited prior to April 30, 1998, with the Trustee and used to redeem outstanding first mortgage bonds at 100 percent of the principal amount of each bond. Appalachian Power anticipates redeeming up to $58,900,000 of its outstanding first mortgage bonds at the next meeting of the Board of Directors, scheduled to be held Feb. 25, 1998. AEP, a global energy company, is one of the United States' largest investor-owned utilities, providing energy to 2.9 million customers in Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee and Kentucky. AEP has holdings in the United States, the United Kingdom and China. Wholly owned subsidiaries provide power engineering, consulting and management services around the world. The company is based in Columbus, Ohio.