American Electric Power

American Electric Power Company, Inc. (AEP) stands as one of the nation's most significant electric utility companies, with a history spanning over a century since its founding in 1906. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, AEP delivers power to more than 5 million customers across 11 states through its various operating companies, including AEP Ohio, AEP Texas, Appalachian Power, Indiana Michigan Power, Kentucky Power, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, and Southwestern Electric Power Company. The company's service territory stretches across Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia, making it one of the most geographically diverse utilities in the United States.

What truly distinguishes AEP is its ownership and operation of the nation's largest electricity transmission system—a nearly 40,000-mile network that includes more 765-kilovolt ultra-high voltage transmission lines than all other U.S. transmission systems combined. This massive infrastructure backbone plays a critical role in ensuring grid reliability and supporting the interconnection of renewable energy resources across multiple regions. AEP also ranks as one of the nation's largest electricity generators, owning approximately 30,000 megawatts of diverse owned and contracted generating capacity. The company has been at the forefront of technological innovation throughout its history, completing the nation's first long-distance high-voltage transmission line in 1917 and pioneering reheat steam technology in 1923.

In 2024, AEP reported revenue of $19.72 billion, marking a 3.89% increase from the previous year, with operating earnings showing strong 7% growth year-over-year. The company's financial performance has been significantly boosted by unprecedented load growth, particularly from data centers serving major technology companies. AEP expects to interconnect 24 gigawatts of new load by 2030, with 18 gigawatts coming from data centers alone, representing one of the most dramatic growth trajectories in the utility sector. This surge in demand is supported by long-term Electric Service Agreements and backed by an additional 190 gigawatts of load requests at various stages, positioning AEP for sustained growth over the coming decade.

AEP has announced an ambitious $72 billion capital plan from 2026 through 2030 to enhance service for customers and support growing energy needs, with $30 billion dedicated specifically to transmission assets. The company also secured a landmark $1.6 billion loan guarantee from the U.S. Department of Energy to upgrade nearly 5,000 miles of transmission lines, projected to save customers an estimated $275 million in financing costs. With a strong commitment to renewable energy integration, employee engagement evidenced by a 93% retention rate, and recognition as a Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award recipient for four consecutive years, AEP continues to shape the future of America's energy infrastructure while maintaining operational excellence and customer focus.