BRIDGMAN, Mich., July 6, 2000 – American Electric Power’s (NYSE: AEP) Cook Nuclear Plant Unit 2 reached 100 percent power at 3:27 p.m., on Wednesday, July 5. The power ascension procedure included hold points at 30, 50, 80, and 90 percent power for system testing.

“The plant and staff have responded well during the start-up and power ascension period,” said Chris Bakken, site vice president. “We have a unit and team that are well prepared for a good, long period of safe and efficient generation.”

The reactor was refueled during the shutdown. There is enough fuel available for 18 months of full power operation.

On June 13, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) concurred that the plant was safe and ready for restart. The unit returned to service for AEP on June 25, ending a 33-month shutdown.

Cook officials are currently determining the return-to-service schedule for Cook Unit 1.

American Electric Power is a multinational energy company based in Columbus, Ohio. AEP is one of the United States´ largest generators of electricity with more than 38,000 megawatts of generating capacity. AEP is also one of the nation´s leading wholesale energy marketers and traders. AEP delivers electricity to more than 4.8 million customers in 11 states -- Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. The company serves more than 4 million customers outside the U.S. through holdings in Australia, Brazil, China, Mexico and the United Kingdom. Wholly owned subsidiaries are involved in power engineering and construction services, energy management and telecommunications.