BRIDGMAN, Mich., April 1, 1998 -- Nuclear Generation Group officials of American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP) announced today they will thaw the ice in the Cook Nuclear Plant Unit 2 ice condenser system to facilitate ice basket repair, weighing, and additional inspections of ice condenser systems. AEP announced a similar decision on the Unit 1 ice condenser system on March 17. Previously, the ice baskets were being individually emptied for repair and inspection. Thawing the ice allows for easier access to the baskets. "Initially, we just wanted to focus on making a decision for Unit 1, " said Gene Fitzpatrick, executive vice president-nuclear generation. "Given time to analyze the Unit 2 situation, we have determined that thawing the ice is the best course of action for that unit as well." Detailed plans and procedures for the ice condenser work for both units are under development. Generally, these plans, as well as the additional resources and equipment now being acquired, will be applicable to work on both units. Work on both units will not run completely simultaneously, but many activities will be done concurrently. Work on Unit 1 will take precedence over work on Unit 2. As a matter of policy, AEP does not release projected generating unit outage duration or return-to-service dates. The purpose of an ice condenser is to absorb rapidly the thermal energy released to the containment in the event of a loss of coolant accident or steam line break in order to reduce pressure in the containment building. The ice condensers also must provide water for long-term cooling. In each of the two units, there are more than 2.5 million pounds of ice held in 1,944 48-foot-long cylindrical baskets. The primary maintenance issues relating to the ice condensers are basket ice weight, basket damage, missing fasteners in basket couplings, and debris contained in the ice. The units have been off-line since Sept. 9, 1997 when plant personnel questioned whether plant systems used to cool the reactor and containment during a postulated accident would function on a long-term basis. On Sept. 19, 1997, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) issued a Confirmatory Action Letter which detailed the issues raised during an August 1997 NRC design inspection. A planned refueling of Unit 2 was completed during the shutdown. AEP is meeting electrical needs of its customers through reserve capacity of other generating units. Cook Nuclear Plant constitutes 10 percent of AEP's total capacity. AEP, a global energy company, is one of the United States' largest investor-owned utilities, providing energy to 2.9 million customers in Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee and Kentucky. AEP has holdings in the United States, the United Kingdom and China. Wholly owned subsidiaries provide power engineering, consulting and management services around the world. The company is based in Columbus, Ohio. ---