COLUMBUS, Ohio, Sept. 20, 1999 -- Stephen A. King and John Combes have joined AEP Communications LLC in the energy information services department, announced Peter Thomas, vice president of AEP Communications LLC.

AEP Communications is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Electric Power (NYSE:AEP).

King joined AEP Communications as director - energy information services sales and will have responsibility for management of DatapultSM sales coordination and retail sales programs. His appointment was effective July 6.

Combes joined AEP Communications as director - energy information services alternative channels, effective June 21. He will be responsible for energy information services and product management through special markets and third-party channels.

"John Combes and Stephen King have the experience to take our energy information services package to a wider base of customers, particularly as competitive energy markets continue to emerge throughout the United States," Thomas said. "As these markets change, we are finding customers want accurate, verifiable analysis of their energy use and spending patterns. The demand for energy savings is real, and DatapultSM energy information services provides the real-world data to make that possible.

"The DatapultSM family of energy information services provides Internet-based tools and a team of energy analysts to help business identify opportunities for energy savings," Thomas said. "DatapultSM is finding a highly receptive customer base in retail operations, warehouse/distribution and general real estate management."

King previously served as director of East Coast sales for New Energy Ventures, an energy services provider specializing in electricity trading, energy information and on-site power services. Prior to that, he had served as national director of direct sales and agent services for Totaltel Communications Services. He earned bachelor of science degrees in business management and biology at Wilkes University.

Prior to joining AEP Communications, Combes had been executive director of corporate accounts for Preferred Networks Inc., a specialist in outsourcing wireless services to the communications industry. He has also served in sales management positions for PageMart, SkyTel and Sprint Communications. Combes graduated with a bachelor of science degree in education from Central Michigan University.

Through sensor modules and Internet-based software, DatapultSM provides information to business on electricity, gas, steam, temperature and time-of-day use patterns to help track and manage energy use. A team of DatapultSM energy consultants analyzes use patterns and business practices to help business customers identify energy savings opportunities, reduce equipment maintenance costs and raise productivity levels.

More information on the DatapultSM bundle of energy information services is available at: http://www.aepes.com/datapult.

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.