BRIDGMAN, Mich., Sept. 27, 2000 – Officials at American Electric Power’s (NYSE: AEP) Cook Nuclear Plant told the Nuclear Regulatory Commission today Cook Unit 2 has operated reliably and safely since its June restart while Cook Unit 1 remains on schedule for restart in the first quarter of 2001.

“The good performance of Unit 2 during this first 100-day period can be attributed to our focus on safety and quality during the rigorous restart effort,” said Bob Powers, senior vice president – nuclear operations.

Powers said the official restart target date for Unit 1 remains first quarter 2001. However, due to good progress in the restart process, AEP is asking the NRC to prepare for the possibility of an earlier restart. "Many variables may yet affect the restart schedule," Powers said. "But we believe it is prudent to ensure that everyone is prepared in the event an early restart is feasible. In any event, our focus will continue to be safety and quality."

Cook Unit 2 returned to service on June 25, reached full power on July 6, and has remained at full power for the ensuing period.

On July 27, AEP announced that Unit 1 would return to service in the first quarter of 2001.

Primary activities remaining for Unit 1 restart include

• restoration of the ice condenser system
• structural modifications
• refurbishment of motor-operated valves
• integrated pre-operational system testing

AEP shut down both units in September 1997 because of questions raised about operability of safety systems.
Combined generating capacity for the two units is 2,110 megawatts, enough power to serve the needs of a city of about 1.2 million people.

American Electric Power is a multinational energy company based in Columbus, Ohio. AEP is one of the United States´ largest generators of electricity with more than 38,000 megawatts of generating capacity. AEP is also one of the nation´s leading wholesale energy marketers and traders. AEP delivers electricity to more than 4.8 million customers in 11 states -- Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. The company serves more than 4 million customers outside the U.S. through holdings in Australia, Brazil, China, Mexico and the United Kingdom. Wholly owned subsidiaries are involved in power engineering and construction services, energy management and telecommunications.

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This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Although AEP believes that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, any such statements may be influenced by factors that could cause actual outcomes and results to be materially different from those projected.