COLUMBUS, Ohio, Sept. 25, 2001 - AEP Energy Services Inc., the energy trading and marketing subsidiary of American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP), has promoted two members of its senior staff to executive vice president. Paul D. Addis, president of AEP Energy Services and executive vice president of AEP, announced that Eric J. van der Walde, 39, and Steven A. Appelt, 42, were promoted in recognition of their contributions to the growth and development of AEP Energy Services.

"Promotions are typically a time to acknowledge the success of colleagues. However, Steve and Eric’s promotions require a fuller elaboration of their contributions because they are unique," said Addis. "It is my strongly held belief that great companies result from the linkage of sound strategies with extraordinary individuals. Steve and Eric have set a standard of excellence which has become a critical guide for others."

van der Walde has been promoted to executive vice president - marketing and trading. Previously, van der Walde served as senior vice president - energy trading. He will continue to direct AEP´s domestic trading activities in the power, natural gas, coal and SO2 allowance markets.

Appelt has been promoted to executive vice president - administration for AEP Energy Services. Appelt, who was named senior vice president - administration in January 2000, is responsible for the administrative functions of AEP´s energy trading group, including the middle office, and financial accounting functions.

Before joining AEP Energy Services in 1997, van der Walde was vice president - power trading for Enron Capital and Trade Resources in Houston. While with Enron, van der Walde managed all aspects of the company´s power trading business in the eastern United States and Texas, from startup to its present position as one of the largest buyers and sellers of energy and energy services in North America. He joined Enron in 1992. Prior to joining Enron, van der Walde was with American Airlines, where his positions included analyst, financial planning; cash manager, Caribbean, Canada and Pacific; and financial risk manager. He earned a bachelor´s degree in economics and history from the College of William and Mary in 1984. He earned a master´s degree in business administration from the University of Chicago in 1988.

Appelt joined the company in 1998. Appelt´s energy trading experience includes 10 years with Phibro Energy, a division of Salomon Inc., and two years as chief financial officer for Enron Oil Trading & Transportation. Appelt holds a bachelor´s degree in accounting from Northern Illinois University. He is a certified public accountant and is a member of the Illinois CPA Society.

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 America’s largest generator of electricity. The company is also a leading wholesale energy marketer and trader, ranking second in the U.S. in electricity volume with a growing presence in natural gas. AEP provides retail electricity to more than 7 million customers worldwide and has holdings in the U.S. and select international markets. Wholly owned subsidiaries are involved in power engineering and construction services, energy management and telecommunications.