Pikeville, Ky., June 9, 2005 – Kentucky Power Company is warning customers – specifically in the City of Jackson and in the greater Breathitt County area -- that reports have been received of at least two individuals posing as Kentucky Power employees and attempting to enter their homes.
 
Detailed information about the individuals’ descriptions was not readily available but law enforcement officials have been notified and are investigating. It was reported to the company that the impersonators indicated they were on the property to change the electric meter. Such work is underway by contractors for Kentucky Power, but not in Breathitt County.
 
The company’s warning reminds customers that all Kentucky Power employees carry picture identification and most employees that have need to be on customers’ property wear clothing easily identified by Kentucky Power or American Electric Power (AEP) markings. The company indicated that no employee would ever refuse to produce picture identification or give detailed information about any need to be on customers’ property.
 
Kentucky Power employees do not need admittance to customers’ homes to perform any company business. All of the company’s functions to provide electric service are performed outside the residence.
 
Kentucky Power recommends that customers confronted with such instances:

• Note that Kentucky Power employees – or contractors – with need to be on a customer’s property wear clearly marked uniforms;
• Request to see picture identification distinctively marked with AEP and/or Kentucky Power logos and employee numbers;
• Have the person explain in detail the reason for being on the property, and understand that all Kentucky Power employees willingly provide details about the need for their presence on or near private property;
• Notify law enforcement officials about such instances;
• Call Kentucky Power at any time at 1-800-572-1113 to confirm identification of the person claiming to be an employee or contractor.

 
Kentucky Power is an operating unit of American Electric Power and serves approximately 175,000 customers in all or parts of 20 Eastern Kentucky Counties.

American Electric Power owns more than 36,000 megawatts of generating capacity in the United States and is the nation´s largest electricity generator.  AEP is also one of the largest electric utilities in the United States, with more than 5 million customers linked to its 11-state electricity transmission and distribution grid.  AEP is based in Columbus, Ohio.