COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 8, 2001 -- Thomas L. Hughes has joined American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP) as vice president – investor relations, effective today. He will be responsible for communicating AEP’s strategy and performance to the financial community, broadening the company’s investor base and participating in development of AEP’s business plans.

Hughes previously was vice president of finance and investor relations at Columbia Energy Group.

“We’re delighted to have Tom on board,” said Armando Pena, senior vice president – finance and treasurer of AEP. “I’m confident that his experience in investor relations and deregulation in the natural gas industry will be a tremendous asset. He is well known to energy investors and analysts. His role will be critical to AEP as we embark on our restructuring strategy and seek a leading position in the competition for the investor dollar. His position demonstrates our corporate commitment to investor relations.”

Hughes had served in various investor relations and finance roles at Columbia Energy Group since 1988. He was the head of investor relations for CSX Corp. from 1983-88 and co-director of investor relations for Texas Gas Resources Corp. from 1980-83.

He is a 12-year member of the American Gas Association Finance and Investor Relations Committee and has been active in the National Investor Relations Institute.

Hughes attended the University of Kentucky, majoring in mechanical engineering. He, his wife and two daughters plan to move from Leesburg, Va., to the Columbus area.

American Electric Power is a multinational energy company based in Columbus, Ohio. AEP owns and operates more than 38,000 megawatts of generating capacity, making it one of America’s largest generators of electricity. The company is also a leading wholesale energy marketer and trader, ranking second in the U.S. in electricity volume. AEP provides retail electricity to more than 9 million customers worldwide and has more than $35 billion in assets, primarily in the U.S. with holdings in select international markets. Wholly owned subsidiaries are involved in power engineering and construction services, energy management and telecommunications.