CHARLESTON, W.Va., March 23, 2020 – The American Electric Power Foundation is donating $288,000 to agencies providing COVID-19 relief efforts across Appalachian Power’s three-state service area. The gift is part of an overall $1.5 million coronavirus relief donation from the AEP Foundation.
“These are challenging and uncertain times for all of us,” said Chris Beam, Appalachian Power president and COO. “With the Foundation’s help, we’re able to partner with agencies in our communities to identify and reach our customers affected by the coronavirus outbreak.”
United Way chapters, many of whom have established Community Response Funds related to the virus, will receive $204,000. Food banks and feeding centers in Virginia, West Virginia and Tennessee, as well as the American Red Cross, will receive $84,000 in funding.
The AEP Foundation is funded by AEP and its utilities, including Appalachian Power.
“These are the organizations that provide a safety net for our neighbors in need,” Beam said. “We work closely with them on a regular basis so we know how important it is that they are able to continue and even increase their services during this emergency.”
Last week, Appalachian Power announced it is temporarily suspending disconnects due to non-payment. Customers with difficulty making payment or with questions are asked to contact Appalachian Power. The number for Appalachian Power’s customer solutions center can be found on the bill or on the company’s website: www.AppalachianPower.com.
Organizations receiving special COVID-19 funding include:
- United Way of Greater Kingsport
- United Way of Central Virginia
- United Way of the New River Valley
- United Way of the Roanoke Valley
- United Way of Southwest Virginia
- United Way of Central West Virginia
- United Way of the River Cities
- United Way of Southern West Virginia
- United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley
- EMI/Henry County Food Bank
- Ferrum Elementary Backpack Program/Panther Packs
- Patrick County Food Bank
- Beckley Dream Center
- Catholic Charities Neighborhood Center
- Facing Hunger Food Bank
- Fayette County Emergency Food Assistance Center
- Five Loaves & Two Fishes
- Hungry Lamb Food Initiative
- Huntington City Mission
- Mingo County House of Hope
- Mountaineer Food Bank
- Mountain Mission
- Salvation Army, Princeton
- Union Mission
- American Red Cross - West Virginia Region
The AEP Foundation is funded by American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP) and its utility operating units, including Appalachian Power. The Foundation provides a permanent, ongoing resource for charitable initiatives involving higher dollar values and multi-year commitments in the communities served by AEP and initiatives outside of AEP’s 11-state service area. The Foundation focuses on improving lives through education from early childhood through higher education in the areas of science, technology, engineering, math and the environment, and by meeting basic needs for emergency shelter, affordable housing and the elimination of hunger. Other Foundation support may be offered to protect the environment, support healthcare and safety, and enrich life through art, music and cultural heritage.
Appalachian Power has 1 million customers in Virginia, West Virginia and Tennessee (as AEP Appalachian Power). It is part of American Electric Power, which is focused on building a smarter energy infrastructure and delivering new technologies and custom energy solutions. AEP’s more than 17,000 employees operate and maintain the nation’s largest electricity transmission system and more than 219,000 miles of distribution lines to efficiently deliver safe, reliable power to nearly 5.4 million customers in 11 states. AEP is also one of the nation’s largest electricity producers with approximately 32,000 megawatts of diverse generating capacity, including 4,300 megawatts of renewable energy.