COLUMBUS, Ohio, June 25,1998 -- American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP) and other utilities across the Midwest today asked customers to voluntarily reduce their use of electricity during the severe heat wave that gripped the area. "We appreciate the voluntary efforts that our customers have made today," said William J. Lhota, AEP executive vice president. "The heat, when combined with a variety of other factors, has made the electricity supply extremely tight throughout the Midwest. The voluntary conservation efforts by the customers have certainly helped. "But this isn't a one-day problem. We ask that our customers continue these efforts until the situation improves," Lhota said. The heat exacerbated Midwest electricity problems caused by more than 20 Midwest and Canadian nuclear generating units being unavailable for a variety of maintenance and operational reasons. In addition, some fossil-fuel generation was unavailable because of scheduled maintenance, unanticipated outages or transmission constraints. "We're trying to manage this situation to make the least impact on all our customers, including our residential customers," Lhota said. "The Midwest electric supply could be diminished if this heat continues and utilities experience unexpected breakdowns at their plants. "Of course, our first goal is to keep the power flowing, and we are doing all we can to ensure that." AEP and other utilities informed certain large industrial customers which have what are known as interruptible-service contracts that they would need to curtail the use of electricity during peak demand periods under terms of the contract. AEP has also taken steps to reduce the company's own internal demand for electricity. All nonessential lighting and equipment has been turned off and building temperatures have been increased to reduce use of air conditioning, steps that can be taken by any electricity user. Production has also been cut back at fuel supply mines and coal preparation plants. "We anticipate that Friday will be equally difficult," Lhota said. "Customers responded to our plea to conserve energy. We'll need that same spirit of cooperation tomorrow." Residential customers can help conserve electric power during the day by setting their thermostats at 78 degrees, reducing general lighting levels, using washers and dryers in the evening and early morning, and by using the mirowave oven which is more efficient than stovetop units. AEP, a global energy company, is one of the United States' largest investor-owned utilities, providing energy to 3 million customers in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. AEP has holdings in the United States, the United Kingdom, China and Australia. Wholly owned subsidiaries provide power engineering, energy consulting and energy management services around the world. The company is based in Columbus, Ohio. On Dec. 22, 1997, AEP announced a definitive merger agreement for a tax-free, stock-for-stock transaction with Central and South West Corp., a public utility holding company based in Dallas.