DALLAS, Texas, May 27, 2003 - American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP) Dallas employee Richard P. (Rick) Walker, director of business development for AEP Wind Energy, LLC, received the American Wind Energy Association’s (AWEA) Outstanding Contribution to the Wind Industry award during the organization’s WIND POWER 2003 conference in Austin, Texas.

Walker was honored for “selflessly contributing his time, energy and capability in support of the wind energy industry.” AWEA noted his role in overseeing AEP’s first investments in wind power, including the 150-megawatt Trent Mesa and 160-megawatt Desert Sky facilities in Texas, and his industry leadership. Walker served as chair of the WIND POWER 2003 conference, the organization’s largest ever.

Honored along with Walker was Ward Marshall, president of the board of directors of AWEA in 2002 and 2003. Formerly with AEP, Marshall now is employed by GE Wind Energy.

Walker was named director of business development for AEP Wind Energy, LLC, in April 2003. He was previously director of business development for AEP Energy Services, a position he had held since June 2000 when AEP merged with Central and South West Corporation (CSW). Walker was employed at CSW for 18 years, serving in various positions including managing director of CSW Renewable Energy, director of research and development, CSW’s Washington representative, and director of rates and regulation for West Texas Utilities.

Walker graduated with a bachelor’s of science and a master’s of business administration from Texas A&M University and is a registered professional engineer in the state of Texas. He serves on the board of directors for the Texas Renewable Energy Industry Association and served as that organization’s president in 2001 and 2002. Walker also served on the board of directors for the Utility Wind Interest Group from 1996 to 2002.

American Electric Power owns and operates more than 42,000 megawatts of generating capacity in the United States and select international markets and is the largest electricity generator in the U.S. AEP is also one of the largest electric utilities in the United States, with almost 5 million customers linked to AEP’s 11-state electricity transmission and distribution grid. The company is based in Columbus, Ohio.