Kentucky Power, a subsidiary of American Electric Power, on Dec. 16, announced the American Electric Power Foundation will donate US$50,000 to the American Red Cross to address immediate needs in tornado-stricken areas of Kentucky and five other Midwestern states. AEP and its operating companies also are encouraging employees to donate to The Salvation Army's special disaster relief fund to provide further support to victims.
A severe storm system including devastating tornadoes swept across parts of Kentucky and five other states Dec. 10-11. The tornadoes left thousands of homes and businesses destroyed or unusable, tens of thousands of residents without housing and a death toll of more than 70.
"Our hearts go out to our fellow Kentuckians affected by this horrible tragedy, and we send our sincere thanks to the first responders and crews who continue recovery and restoration efforts," said Brett Mattison, president and chief operating officer of Kentucky Power, which provides funding to the AEP Foundation. "With the help of the Foundation, we're proud to join relief efforts to assist our brothers and sisters in the western part of the commonwealth as they begin to rebuild and heal following this catastrophic event."
Kentucky Power, with headquarters in Ashland, provides electric service to approximately 165,000 customers in 20 eastern Kentucky counties, including Boyd, Breathitt, Carter, Clay, Elliott, Floyd, Greenup, Johnson, Knott, Lawrence, Leslie, Letcher, Lewis, Magoffin, Martin, Morgan, Owsley, Perry, Pike, and Rowan.
Kentucky Power is an operating company in the AEP system, one of the largest electric utilities in the United States, delivering electricity and custom energy solutions to 5.4 million regulated customers in 11 states. AEP also owns the nation's largest electricity transmission system. AEP's headquarters are in Columbus, Ohio.
The American Electric Power Foundation is funded by American Electric Power and its operating subsidiaries. The Foundation provides a permanent, ongoing resource for charitable initiatives involving higher dollar values and multi-year commitments in the communities served by AEP and initiatives outside of AEP's 11-state service area.
The Foundation focuses on improving lives through education from early childhood through higher education in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math; by meeting basic needs for emergency shelter, affordable housing and the elimination of hunger; and championing social and racial justice. Other foundation support may be offered to protect the environment, support healthcare and safety, and enrich life through art, music and cultural heritage.
