AEP RECRUITS CUSTOMERS FOR EXPORT PROGRAM IN 2000

Oct. 25, 1999•News Release

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Oct. 25, 1999 -- American Electric Power (NYSE:AEP) wants to help its industrial customers become globally competitive in the new year by introducing them to dynamic foreign markets. AEP’s Going GlobalTM export assistance program offers a hassle-free way for companies to make an on-the-scene survey of the growing export market. AEP trade specialists have assisted more than 140 industrial customers at trade events in foreign markets during the past six years. The specialists are available for pre-mission consultations and on site at the various trade mission locations. The export assistance schedule during the year 2000 will feature trade missions in Canada, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Mexico and the United Kingdom. Going Global applications are now being accepted until Nov. 22 for the first trade mission of the new year in the Canadian cities of Montreal and Quebec City on March 20-24. “AEP developed Going Global to help its customers benefit from international trade,” said Christine Sorg, AEP’s international development manager. “Going Global is just one more way of reinforcing our commitment to helping companies within our service area be successful.” AEP representatives will assist participants in developing an international marketing plan, setting up carefully-screened business appointments in the target country and arranging for translators, market briefings, local transportation and negotiated hotel rates. The schedule for 2000 is as follows: -- March 20-24: Montreal and Quebec City, Canada AEP will use a proven format to conduct its fourth trade mission to Montreal and Quebec City, the sixth largest market for U.S. exports. Going Global participants will receive a brief market survey from U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service staff in Quebec that will determine the suitability of each company’s products for the market. Using this information, participants will determine whether they want to travel to the trade mission site. Registration deadline is Nov. 22. -- June 11-17: Buenos Aires, Argentina and Chile, Santiago Going Global will make its second trade mission to the southernmost countries in South America, whose import markets are expanding due to trade liberalization, growing industrial production and participation in the Mercosur regional trading block. Appointments for participating companies will be arranged at the offices of Argentine and Chilean companies. Registration deadline is March 1. -- July 10-14: Monterrey and Mexico City, Mexico Since 1993, AEP has arranged for 28 companies to participate in trade shows in Monterrey and led 39 companies on trade missions to meet potential agents and distributors in the Mexican market. Mexico has surpassed Japan as a market for U.S. goods and is now second only to Canada as a destination for U.S. exports. Registration deadline is March 27. -- Sept. 10-15: Sao Paulo, Brazil During AEP’s third trade event in Sao Paulo, appointments will be made with Brazilian companies that have expressed an interest in participants’ products and services. Brazil has a population of more than 160 million residents who occupy a land area larger than the continental United States. The country’s imports from the United States, which totaled $15.9 billion in 1997, should continue to grow as the country seeks to expand its privatization program and modernize its infrastructure. Registration deadline is May 28. -- Fall 2000: United Kingdom While in the Birmingham and Bradford/Leeds areas on a trade mission in November 1999, AEP’s trade specialists will explore the possibility of a reverse trade mission from these areas to the United States in 2000. As plans become definite, AEP will seek the participation of customers interested in a business relationship with companies in the United Kingdom. Additional information on AEP’s Going Global program may be obtained by calling Christine Sorg at 614/883-7722. 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: Jeri Waters Media Relations American Electric Power 614/223-1917

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