AEP Ohio Wins Emergency Response Award

GAHANNA, Ohio, February 3, 2021 – AEP Ohio was presented an Emergency Response Award by the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) for helping restore power following several large storms in 2020.

Presented to EEI member companies, Emergency Response Awards recognize recovery and assistance efforts following service disruptions caused by extreme weather or other natural events.

AEP Ohio sent line and contract personnel to partnering electric utilities – including sister companies at AEP – following five hurricanes and a severe ice storm in the south.

Over the course of these assignments in 2020, crews encountered all types of adverse weather including flooding and high winds, extreme heat, varying terrains and dangerous wildlife. Not only were these conditions not ideal, but crews also had to navigate the health and safety challenges posed by COVID-19 as the global pandemic continued.

“It’s been a difficult year for many reasons, including the number of significant weather-related events around the country,” said Raja Sundararajan, AEP Ohio president and chief operating officer. “When disaster strikes and people are in need, it’s in our employees’ DNA to want to get the power back on. We thank them for their commitment and sacrifices, all while doing it safely and following COVID-related protocols.”