DATAPULTsm Provides Option For Consolidated Utility Billing

Jan. 20, 1999•News Release

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 20, 1999 -- Consolidated billing for utility services -- such as electricity, gas, water and sewer -- is now available with Datapultsm, the Internet-based portfolio of energy information services from AEP Communications. AEP Communications is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP), one of the country's largest investor-owned electric utilities. "We looked at the research and talked with customers, and learned that the one thing that national accounts want universally is consolidated billing," said Mark Coleman, manager - financial and administrative for AEP Communications. "So we enhanced Datapult with the Datapult Billing Services option. "It makes sense. Consider the multi-site company that receives an invoice for each utility at each site; potentially, thousands of separate invoices need to be processed and paid each month," Coleman said. "With Datapult Billing Services, those invoices can be sent to us." Coleman explained that the data from each utility invoice is verified and validated before payment. Billing-related issues are resolved before payment is made. One service option provides a guarantee against utility late-payment fees. The data compiled is accessible to the customer through a secure Internet site, and can be viewed in several different reporting configurations. In addition to consolidated billing, Datapult Billing Services offers rate analysis and verification, and rate negotiation. "With rate analysis, we can determine if a company receives the most cost-effective rates for their usage patterns, taking into consideration other factors such as power quality and peak demand charges," Coleman said. Billing Services complements Datapult's array of energy monitoring and analysis services currently available. "The information collected by Datapult can be used to support a corporate cost reduction program that relies on accurate information and points to specific strategies that will bring results," said Coleman. "Also, the company that understands its energy consumption requirements and profiles is in a better position to leverage that information for services such as conjunctive and real-time pricing. "And, as deregulation rolls out in the electric industry, the company with such accurate information will likely be in the position to negotiate more favorable rates and improved service." AEP Communications, LLC, was formed in 1997 to provide fiber, wireless and information services to wholesale and retail customers. The company has built high-speed fiber optic lines and wireless antenna structures, and has invested in digital personal communications service providers. AEP, a global energy company, is one of the United States’ largest investor-owned utilities, providing energy to 3 million customers in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. AEP has holdings in the United States, the United Kingdom, China and Australia. Wholly owned subsidiaries provide power engineering, energy consulting and energy management services around the world. The company is based in Columbus, Ohio. On Dec. 22, 1997, AEP announced a definitive merger agreement for a tax-free, stock-for-stock transaction with Central and South West Corp., a public utility holding company based in Dallas.

For More Information, Contact: Deb Strohmaier Senior Media Representative American Electric Power 614/223-1656

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