On the night of Sept. 10, Columbus Line Crew Supervisor Sean Dugan responded to a report of a pole fire in Southeast Columbus. Any burning equipment would have been immediately visible in the darkness but, when Dugan arrived at the intersection, nothing was glowing. He took out his flashlight and began diligently inspecting the area …
What’s yellow, has a long neck and likes munching on foliage in tall trees? A giraffe, yes … and also a Mini-Jarraff, an urban tree-trimming vehicle that’s making line clearance safer and easier for AEP Ohio’s forestry team. The Mini-Jarraff is designed for Right of Way maintenance in neighborhoods and city streets. It has a …
Did you know? AEP Ohio helped the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium convert nearly 3 million holiday lights into energy efficient LED bulbs, creating one of the most spectacular light displays in central Ohio. Those LED bulbs have helped the Zoo use 70 percent less energy during Wildlights. You can enjoy Wildlights, efficiently powered by AEP …
Meteorologists are predicting high winds Wednesday afternoon into Thanksgiving morning that could threaten our power lines and equipment. Crews are on alert and ready to respond if power outages occur. We know outages are frustrating, especially during a holiday centered around food and family gatherings. If outages do occur, please know our crews will work …
Decorating for the holiday season is a great way to be merry and participate in the holiday season, but it can make a costly time of year even more expensive. Consider these energy efficient holiday decorations as you begin to get into the holiday spirit. Outdoor and Indoor Lights Lights hung on trees or roofs …
AEP Ohio recently presented affordable housing developer Woda Cooper Companies with an incentive of more than $22,000 through its EfficiencyCrafted Homes program. The incentive recognizes Woda Cooper Companies’ commitment to providing affordable utility solutions for low-income seniors through high energy efficiency standards. Open since late 2018, Fairwood Commons, a $12.2 million investment in Columbus’ Franklin …
Top photo: Jeff VanDine, center, with Community & Customer Experience Manager Greg Earl and Director of Customer Experience Katie Grayem after winning the AEP Culture Award. VanDine was honored for reaching out to coworkers when they’ve suffered a significant injury or illness. He always offers a simple but heartfelt gesture such as sending homemade banana …
AEP Ohio crews are beginning to use drones to improve the reliability of your service. They are just another layer of the technology working behind the scenes to keep your power on. With a high-resolution camera and infrared technology, inspection drones travel 200 to 300 feet above the lines to look for hotspots and potential …
Criminals will do anything to steal money from unsuspecting victims. And they don’t work regular hours or observe holidays. It’s important to be alert and know how to spot the signs of a scammer. Scammers posing as AEP Ohio employees often target those who are most vulnerable, including senior citizens, low-income residents and small business …
AEP Ohio is increasingly giving used vehicles to community organizations that need them. The program is fostering relationships with customers and cultivating our shared future, one donation at a time. Veterans groups and line worker training centers are among those with a need for digger derricks, pickup trucks, tractors, trailers, etc. AEP Ohio sends vehicles …
At AEP Ohio we strongly believe in “being your brother’s keeper” and looking out for each other’s safety. Dispatcher Anne Vascik remembered this mantra and put it into practice – in a very simple but important way. That’s why her peers across the company have selected her as the AEP Ohio Safety Champion for the …
Did you know that there are energy vampires hiding in your office that suck up your power, both day and night? Don’t let them drain your budget. Consider these simple solutions to stop energy vampires. Unplug electronic devices that are not in use. Many devices continue to use power, even when they’re turned off. Unplug …
When used properly, space heaters are a great way to stay warm in a chilly office environment. They can also pose significant risks and be a fire hazard in your workplace. Before plugging in your space heater this season, review the following tips to keep you and your coworkers safe and warm. Always place a …
For the thousands of runners competing in the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon this weekend, Mile 26 is about one thing: gutting out the final .2 miles. Dog-tired competitors who need a final boost can seek inspiration from AEP Ohio’s tent set up on the corner of West Long Street and Marconi Boulevard. It’s a …
Halloween can be a fun event for the whole family, but it’s important to make sure that everyone knows about potential hazards. Before your kids head out the door, talk about safety procedures and consider Louie’s tips so your night doesn’t turn into a spooky situation. Stay in sight. Use reflective tape to make yourself …
Grandview Line Servicer Paul “Buff” Creager and Columbus Meter Electrician-A Barry “Bubba” Hickle are each ringing in 50 years with our company. They’re good friends, and have plenty of stories to tell. Watch two of AEP’s longest-tenured employees talk about the multiple decades they’ve spent with the company. Published October 4, 2019
Doing the right thing isn’t always easy. It can take time and a little extra effort. But that’s exactly what John Kell did. And it’s why he has been nominated by his peers as the AEP Ohio Safety Champion for the month of September. Kell, a line crew supervisor in Grandview, took action after visiting …
Fallen trees and branches are one of the most common causes of power outages. That’s why keeping our lines and equipment free of trees is one of our top priorities. With a job that keeps her moving and is always changing, we recently caught up with Sarah Powell, an AEP Ohio forester, to talk …
Colder weather sometimes mean higher energy bills. Here are five quick tips to help manage energy costs and keep your business comfortable during the fall and winter months. Seal Any Leaks and Gaps Around the Workplace Did you know that leaky ducts can allow up to 30 percent of the air to escape? Before the …
As AEP employees continue to strive for Zero Harm, the Findlay line department can be being used as an example that a 100% safety record is achievable. That’s because the team recently hit an impressive safety milestone: 3,100 days without injury. “Eight and half years of no pain or suffering – it’s an amazing achievement,” …
The Barry Family home was destroyed July 8. A propane leak in the basement caused an explosion that collapsed the back kitchen, knocked the home off its foundation and blew out the side walls and windows. AEP Ohio Line Servicer Jay Leslie saw the devastation firsthand when he was called on the scene to shut …
Did you know the concept of barn quilts was born in Ohio? Did you know that there’s a dedicated quilt trail that runs across our state? You may not … but you could probably guess that if we were asked to lend a hand hanging them then we probably would say yes. Last month line …
National Preparedness Month is the perfect time of year to plan ahead. Knowing what to do when a disaster strikes is critical for keeping you and others safe at home and work. Start by assembling an emergency kit that takes into consideration your specific needs. Take this short quiz to test your knowledge on what …
An AEP safety motto is if you see something, say something. Columbus Technician Kris Silas sees more dangers than most … and, importantly, he also does something. “I had a previous supervisor who said that if you don’t have time to take care of a bad situation right away, then when will you?” Silas says. …
As the summer winds down, you may be thinking about ways to boost your curb appeal with easy projects like landscaping changes and lighting upgrades. For any project that requires you to dig, it’s important that you first know where the underground utility lines are located around your property. Call 811 at least 48 hours …
Did you know that small businesses spend more than $60 billion each year on energy expenses? Just a few minor updates can help you become more energy efficient and save. AEP Ohio’s Small Business Express Program makes it easier than ever to take on energy efficient projects. Businesses can become more energy efficient simply by …
We make it our business to help yours save money. AEP Ohio’s team of personalized energy consultants work with businesses of all sizes to build customized energy efficiency plans using incentive programs to help you save. Energy Advisors learn your business and the unique challenges of your facility, uncovering ways to reduce your energy use …
Cops and Barbers is an initiative to help youth in the inner city of Columbus start the school year right by providing them with a positive perspective on police and giving them fresh haircuts and new school supplies. The two-day event took place on Sunday, August 18, 2019 in Columbus’ south side and Hilltop areas …
Employees at the Delaware Service Center had been talking about helping their community but were undecided on what to do. One of the lineman’s wife is a teacher and she brought up a glaring need in area schools: not enough supplies and a list of required items that many families struggled to afford. Line Mechanic-C …
The Muskingum County Blue Ribbon Fair has been around for 173 years. A lot has changed in that time, but you’d be forgiven for thinking nothing ever changes. And the people of Zanesville like it that way. “We have people who come back year after year to enjoy the same things,” says Secretary of the …
When temperatures spike, so can your electric bill. Try these easy energy efficiency tips to help you save energy and money — all while keeping your family cool this summer. Close blinds and curtains to keep the sun out and cool air inside. Keeping window coverings shut during the hottest parts of the day can help …
Severe flooding is a growing threat to many Midwestern communities. It’s a well-known and recurring concern in Western Ohio – especially in Findlay and Ottawa, which were hit by a “100-year flood” in August 2007. Water from the Blanchard River spilled into the low-lying towns, causing more than $100 million in damage in Findlay and …
Don Brouse, a technician in Coshocton, has been named AEP Ohio Safety Champion for the month of June. Brouse is planning to retire in April 2020 and is being recognized by his peers for 45 years of injury-free service. What are some common safety hazards a technician faces? Ninety percent of it is driving. Then …
Six lineworkers. More than a decade without injury. To say they’re a close-knit team would be an understatement – they’re like brothers. They’re a drama-free group that’s focused on getting the job done, taking care of their community and watching out for one another to make sure they each go home safe every night. The …
The Columbus Clippers have a new heavy hitter wowing fans at Huntington Park this season: Louie the Lightning Bug. Louie is making occasional appearances at Huntington Park this season as part of AEP Ohio’s new partnership with the Clippers. Fans are seeing a number of promotional events at the ballpark, including marketing materials, public address …
Lineworker Mike Wise is celebrating 50 years with AEP – all at the Van Wert Service Center. We talked to him about why he loves AEP Ohio and what drives his dedication. What brought you to AEP? I started at the Van Wert service building right out of high school. I was 18. I worked …
Summer storms are unpredictable and can happen in a flash. Many of us have seen that beautiful blue sky quickly fade when a summer storm rolls in. When storms damage power lines, our crews work hard to get your power back on. Here’s what you need to know to help you stay safe, prepared and …
The next generation of power restoration equipment is rolling into AEP Ohio’s service territories. The Columbus Southeast and Findlay garages are now home to the Altec TDA58 — better known as the backyard bucket — a vehicle that is smaller and taller than similar models. What makes the backyard bucket unique is its extended reach …
A storm brought down a tree in your yard. Electrical equipment on your property was badly damaged. AEP Ohio crews have fixed the power lines and installed a new utility pole … but you’re told you’ll need to make additional repairs before power can be restored. So what gives?! This situation sometimes occurs because AEP …
At AEP Ohio, we love trees. We just hate power outages. And, like you, we appreciate the outdoors and understand your desire to plant new trees when the weather permits. Your local nursery can help you find the right tree for the right place. Armed with the info below, let them know how far away …
Portable generators can be useful when temporary or remote electric power is needed, but also can be hazardous if they aren’t isolated properly. To properly isolate portable generators, be careful you never connect it to an electrical outlet. Instead, appliances should be connected directly to the generator. The easiest way to use a generator is …
What does it take to be an AEP Ohio lineworker? Well, a strong cup of coffee and a fierce commitment to safety are musts. To celebrate Lineworker Appreciation Day, we’re following experienced lineworker Steve Baehr as he spends the day keeping the lights on for our customers. (Part 1 of 5) Regulators. Crossarms. Bypass …
Research reveals that 84% of consumers would buy an electric vehicle (EV) if they could see that it was cheaper to operate and no more expensive than a traditional vehicle. To help, AEP Ohio has launched an online tool so car buyers can compare the total cost of owning and operating an EV with that …
The Joint Systems Manufacturing Center in Lima rarely opens its doors to the public. As the last remaining tank manufacturer in the United States, the facility is high on security and low on willingness to provide guided tours. But they were eager to welcome 95-year-old Albert Holman, a decorated tank battalion commander in Newark who …
(Note: This applies to residential customers; business customers should contact us for more info.) Customers often ask us about security deposits. We require a deposit – normally in cash – to secure your outstanding account balance. The amount of the deposit is based upon the type of heat at your residence or its history of …
Legacy Community Park is a big project inspired by a little boy. Wyatt Adkins was born in December 2008 with a rare congenital heart defect known as hypoplastic left heart syndrome. He had open-heart surgery at six months old. Though the prognosis for the procedure was positive, Wyatt went into cardiac arrest during the procedure …
You expect safe, reliable electricity and we’re working hard to deliver it. Improving service means trimming trees, repairing underground cable and testing new overhead lines to keep your power on. Check out the video below to see us in action: Here’s a snapshot of the work we’re doing around Ohio: A Smarter Grid: Improving how power …
AEP Ohio helped The Bellville Neighborhood Outreach Center upgrade its outdated lighting system to energy efficient LEDs. By partnering with Loeb Electric and Phillips, AEP Ohio replaced nearly 200 inefficient fixtures and bulbs with LEDs that will help the center save power and money. These upgrades will reduce electricity consumption by 70-90 percent and save …
Ever dreamed of an outdoor office? You’re in luck – we’re hiring lineworkers. Hear first hand what our crews have to say about working with AEP Ohio. Learn more and apply today by clicking here.
Energy is an important business resource, and a cost worth managing. Whether you’re looking for simple efficiency upgrades or developing a long-term improvement plan, an energy audit or assessment will help you diagnose the right strategies for saving energy and money. It will also help you create a more comfortable business environment. When your business …
Finding the best energy efficient products at the lowest prices can be time-consuming and cumbersome. That’s why AEP Ohio created the Online Energy Efficiency Marketplace to help you save energy, money and time when shopping for energy efficient products. The Marketplace does all your homework for you by streamlining the comparison process —consolidating prices, consumer …
Left to right: Colton Childs, James Powell, Danny James, Braden Hardesty and Terry Swingle State Route 78 in McConnelsville is hilly and curvy – especially when it’s dusted with snow, as it was on January 15. Line mechanics Colton Childs, Terry Swingle, Danny James, James Powell and Braden Hardesty know to drive it cautiously and …
Many AEP employees have taken CPR training and IBEW Local Union 1466 Business Manager Rod Cockrell began taking it in 2002, right about the time he joined the Chillicothe Line Department and his daughter, Phoebe, was born. Sixteen years later, this training may have saved her life. For the past few months, Phoebe has been …
On Nov. 12, Newark Line Servicer Rick Creager was driving to work like usual. A little past 6 a.m. he turned onto Main Street in Alexandria and saw something decidedly unusual: a fire burning on the porch of one of the homes lining the street. Creager immediately pulled to the side of the road and …
The Huckleberry House provides support to youth and families in Central Ohio who are dealing with abuse, poverty, homelessness and other life challenges. The organization got a little support of its own when AEP lit up the house with Christmas lights for the first time in more than 40 years. AEP employees provided “A Very …
With the help of AEP Ohio, the offices at the Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland Council are looking a little brighter.
Written by Tim Wells, Economic Development Manager at AEP Ohio The U.S. market for electric vehicles (EV) continues to grow. According to the International Energy Agency, 280,000 EVs were sold in the U.S. in 2017 — up from 160,000 in 2016. You can expect to see more EVs on the road as major automakers, including …
Did you know the majority of Totino’s pizza rolls sold in the U.S. are made in Wellston, Ohio? Or that Heinz makes ketchup in Fremont, Ohio? In fact, many of your favorite foods are made in the Buckeye State and in production facilities powered by AEP Ohio. Food production is an important industry for Ohio …
AEP Ohio is investing in new technologies to make the power grid more reliable and improve your service. Here’s a look at the enhancements that will simplify your life, save you energy and lower your bill.
DACR, short for Distribution Automation Circuit Reconfiguration, is a new technology that detects a power outage and automatically reroutes the power – minimizing the number of people impacted within minutes. Check out these videos to learn more about how this technology is an important part of our plan to build a better, faster and smarter …
VVO, short for Volt Var Optimization, is a proven technology that assures electricity is more efficiently transmitted through our power lines and into your home. It automatically adjusts voltage levels on the power lines to improve energy efficiency and minimize energy loss. At the end of the day, it reduces the amount of electricity your …
Absolutely. If you have any questions about your bill or are having trouble paying it, we’re here to work with you. We provide a variety of payment options including electronic fund transfer, online, via our app, by mail, by phone and in person. We also offer a variety of payment plans to help those who …
During widespread outages our goal is to safely restore power to the most customers in the shortest amount of time. The first step is to assess damage and find out what facilities and equipment need repairing. This helps us determine required materials, assign crews and set estimated restoration times. Next, we focus our efforts on …
There are lots of things you can do to use less electricity and save money each month, such as unplugging electronics and underutilized appliances, controlling the temperature in your home, turning off lights you’re not using, weatherizing your home, using light emitting diode (LED) bulbs and changing your furnace and air conditioning filters. AEP Ohio …
Outages occur for a variety of reasons but one of the most common causes of power outages is trees and limbs falling on power lines. Just one tree limb can knock out electric service to dozens of homes up to several miles away. That’s why we have a comprehensive program to manage trees and brush that grow …
Smart meters are electric meters equipped with two-way communication technology. They provide near real-time electric readings and securely send customers’ usage information to AEP Ohio for operational and billing purposes. Smart meters improve billing accuracy (you’ll no longer receive estimated bills) and eliminate the need for meter readers to enter onto customers’ property. Smart meters …
Overhead lines are often the most effective way to deliver power to our customers. It’s not always appropriate to install wires underground but we do use this option under certain circumstances. We seek out individual solutions for all our customers and their communities. Decisions are made after careful analysis and planning by our engineers, who …
Our lineman are highly skilled workers who have spent years of specialized training on high-voltage power lines. They are NOT trained or licensed to work on the customers’ private equipment, inside or outside the property. If you need help with any electrical work, please contact a properly licensed electrician.
Sometimes customers request that we temporarily disconnect and reconnect their electrical service. The reasons often include tree trimming, rewiring, siding installation, construction and other home improvements. For this work, we charge a $153 fee for disconnecting and reconnecting service at the same location. The fee covers the cost of vehicle and equipment use, wages and …
AEP Ohio maintains power lines and equipment and delivers energy to your home. But you may have the opportunity to choose the company that generates your electricity. Just as you shop for other products and services, you can shop for your energy supplier, too. This freedom lets you choose from among a diverse group of …
Running your air conditioner during the summer can mean paying more for your electric bills. AEP Ohio has a program to help customers avoid seasonal bill increases — the Average Monthly Payment (AMP) plan. AEP Ohio’s AMP plan spreads electric costs out over the whole year by basing monthly payments on a rolling 12-month average. …
Employees in Canton received a glowing thank you note from the Refuge of Hope, an organization that helps homeless men in Stark County. The reason for the letter? AEP Ohio did the right thing in a tough situation. A brick building in downtown Canton started falling unexpectedly and was determined to be structurally unsafe. The …
On April 12, 2018, at around 11:30 a.m. an equipment issue de-energized the Taylor substation in Northeast Columbus. The event caused 6,083 customers to lose their power. For most customers, the normal restoration time for this type of outage is approximately 83 minutes; however, all 6,083 customers had their power back in a mere 100 …
Photo: Ian Koblitz, second from left, accepts the Chairman’s Life Saving Award. Two people were killed in a car crash in March 2018 on Interstate 270 in Columbus. That number may have been higher were it not for the quick response of Ian Koblitz. Koblitz, a distribution dispatcher for AEP Ohio at the Groveport Operations …
Photo: Dave Murphy, left, and his brother, Jack Dave Murphy, an equipment operator at AEP’s generation plant in Conesville, Ohio, was hired in 1973. His 45 years with the company put him squarely among the 100 longest-tenured employees, and he has no plans to retire. Impressed? His brother isn’t. That’s because Jack Murphy, a line …
Falling tree limbs are one of the most common causes of a power outage — a single branch can leave thousands of customers without power. That’s why AEP Ohio has a comprehensive program to manage tree brush that grows around power lines. By planting the right tree in the right place, you can help preserve your community’s …
When a severe storm is on the radar, our work begins well before the storm starts as we track incoming weather to keep a close eye on parts of our service territory that may be affected. When major storms damage power lines, we work hard to return power to the greatest number of customers as …
AEP Ohio will pay you $50 to recycle your old, working refrigerator or freezer and provide 3 LED light bulbs as an added bonus. We’ll even coordinate pick-up free of charge. Plus, replacing an inefficient old appliance can save you upwards of $150 a year in energy costs.
Utility companies from across the country come together when disasters strike. AEP Ohio recently sent 14 line workers and four storm restoration experts to Puerto Rico to assist with power restoration efforts in areas devastated by Hurricane Maria in September. Our crews joined nearly 5,500 restoration workers already on the island who are assisting the …
Meet Cathy – she’s a breast cancer survivor and one of the many reasons why our crews go pink in October. We’re raising awareness and hope with each pole climbed. Have you seen our crews sporting their pink hard hats in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
Our work begins well before a storm starts as we track incoming weather to keep a close eye on parts of our service territory that may be impacted. After a storm hits, we assess the damage and determine staffing needs— sometimes coordinating crews from other parts of Ohio and other states to help with restoration …
When the call comes to help, our crews are always willing. More than 700 AEP Ohio employees and contractors went to Florida ahead of Hurricane Irma to assist with power restoration efforts. For decades, utility companies across the country have come together when disasters strike. Having extra hands on deck can help get power back …
High bills this winter? Lots of factors impact how hard your furnace has to work to combat the cold Ohio temperatures – from how well your home is insulated to the age of your furnace. Homes with electric heating systems can see especially large jumps on winter bills. Beyond the cold weather, there are a …
Meet Nick. He’s one of AEP Ohio’s many dedicated line mechanics who work around the clock to make sure the power stays on.
