CORPUS CHRISTI (Sept. 11, 2008) – The  AEP Texas Emergency Management Organization is currently making contingency plans for power restoration should Hurricane Ike impact its service area along the Texas Gulf Coast
 
AEP Texas during the last few days has been preparing for the possibility that the storm might strike its service area that extends from Port Isabel  to Matagorda, Texas. These efforts included reviewing the company’s hurricane preparedness plan and determining what resources are needed to restore power in a safe and timely manner.

 “To the extent safely possible, every effort will be made to maintain electric service throughout the storm,” according to Pablo Vegas, AEP Texas president and chief operating officer.  “However, crews will not be sent out until after the storm has passed.”

During the storm, customers are asked not to call AEP Customer Solution Center except to report downed power lines and other situations that could pose a safety threat.  To report a fallen power line or utility pole, call 1-866-223-8508.  All power lines should be considered energized and dangerous. Because of the likelihood that the storm will cause many lines to fall, customers are asked to keep their children and pets inside during and after the storm.