COLUMBUS, Ohio, Sept. 24, 2002 - American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP) has been named one of the “100 Best Companies for Working Mothers” by Working Mother magazine, a national publication aimed at career-committed mothers.

AEP was selected for the magazine’s 17th annual list of top companies from among hundreds of candidates nationwide. It is one of only two electric utilities and three Ohio-based corporations on the list, and the only firm headquartered in Columbus.

AEP programs noted in Working Mother’s selection process include adoption assistance, paid leave for new mothers, educational assistance, and leadership programs for both men and women. The magazine also considered AEP’s efforts to attract women and to help women advance in their careers.

Approximately 20 percent of AEP employees and about 10 percent of company executives are women.

“We are delighted to be recognized for the efforts noted in Working Mother magazine and for our work/life programs, which we believe are second to none - not just for working mothers, but for all employees,” said Melinda Ackerman, AEP senior vice president - human resources.

“We realize that in today’s competitive business climate, it’s increasingly difficult for employees to find time to balance their personal lives with their work responsibilities,” Ackerman said.

The Working Mother “100 best companies” list is in the publication’s October edition, which is available at newsstands and on the World Wide Web at www.workingmother.com.

AEP is among the companies mentioned in a program about the “100 best companies” that airs today at 8 p.m. on CNBC-TV. The company also will be honored during an awards ceremony Oct. 2 at the annual 100 Best Companies Work/Life Congress in New York, sponsored by Working Mother Media (WMM). WMM publishes Working Mother and Executive Female magazines and sponsors the National Association for Female Executives.

American Electric Power is a multinational energy company with a balanced portfolio of energy assets. AEP, the United States’ largest electricity generator, owns and operates more than 42,000 megawatts of generating capacity in the U.S. and select international markets. AEP is a leading wholesale energy marketer, ranking among North America’s top providers of wholesale power and natural gas with a growing wholesale presence in European markets. In addition to electricity generation, AEP owns and operates natural gas pipeline systems, natural gas storage, coal mines, and the fourth-largest inland barge company 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 wires. The company is based in Columbus, Ohio.