FRANKFORT, KY, July. 27, 2005  – Kentucky Power customers set a record summer peak electricity demand of 1,358 megawatts (MW) at 2 p.m., Tuesday, July 26, as high temperatures and humidity continued to cover the company’s service area. Yesterday’s peak tops the peak set Monday, July 25, of 1,349 MW.  Prior to Monday, the previous summer record was 1,326 MW set Aug. 5, 2002.

Traditionally a “winter peaking” company, Kentucky Power’s all-time demand peak was recorded earlier this year – Jan. 24 – when customer usage reached 1,685 MW.

“This week’s high temperatures have not only registered on thermometers, but on power meters across our service territory” said Tim Mosher, president and COO of Kentucky Power. “As customers strived to stay comfortable and cool their homes and businesses, their efforts were reflected in the increased energy demand needed to power air conditioners and cooling systems.”

The company noted that all demand peaks are preliminary and subject to verification when additional metering information is available. However, given the magnitude of the increased demand, it is unlikely that the numbers will vary significantly.

Kentucky Power provides electricity to approximately 175,000 customers in all or parts of 20 Eastern Kentucky counties.  It is a unit of American Electric Power, the nation’s largest electricity generator.  AEP owns more than 36,000 megawatts of generating capacity and is one of the nation’s largest electric utilities, with more than 5 million customers in 11 states.  AEP is based in Columbus, Ohio.