FORT WAYNE, Ind., December 24, 2022 – Extremely cold temperatures across the region have created extraordinary demands on the power system.
We are asking businesses and the public to help by immediately reducing electricity use as much as possible without sacrificing safety.

I&M is making this emergency request in coordination with PJM – the regional power grid operator.

Please reduce your electricity use by:

• Setting your thermostat lower than usual, if health allows.
• Postponing use of major electric appliances such as stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers.
• Turning off non-essential electric lights, equipment and appliances.

PJM and I&M are asking that customers take these actions until 10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 25, to help ensure adequate power supplies. 

The combined actions of customers can reduce overall demand for electricity and ease the emergency situation.

Customers should use electricity needed for personal safety and to protect against property damage. Minor adjustments to thermostats and other measures can make a significant difference.

“We are actively working with PJM and other regional utilities to minimize the impact of this event on our customers,” said Steve Baker, president and chief operating officer. “We understand that cutting back on use of electricity can be inconvenient and uncomfortable, especially during the holidays. This is a necessary step to prevent broader power interruptions, and we appreciate our customers’ efforts.”

Possible Next Steps

If further emergency action is required to reduce the load on the electric system, PJM would direct the company to begin grid protection power outages to parts of its service territory. These outages would be brief and intermittent whenever possible to limit the impact on customers.

The action will only be taken if necessary to avoid widespread power loss and to prevent long-term damage to the regional electric system.

Customers should be prepared for the possibility of temporary electric service outages if further emergency action is required. Please check with elderly or family, friends and neighbors with disabilities or medical conditions to ensure they are OK and have a plan for possible outages.

For updates, visit indianamichiganpower.com.

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Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) is headquartered in Fort Wayne, and its approximately 2,100 employees serve more than 600,000 customers. More than 80% of its energy delivered in 2021 was emission-free.  I&M has at its availability various sources of generation including 2,278 MW of nuclear generation in Michigan, 450 MW of purchased wind generation from Indiana, more than 22 MW of hydro generation in both states and approximately 35 MW of large-scale solar generation in both states. The company’s generation portfolio also includes 2,620 MW of coal-fueled generation in Indiana.

American Electric Power, based in Columbus, Ohio, is powering a cleaner, brighter energy future for its customers and communities. AEP’s approximately 16,700 employees operate and maintain the nation’s largest electricity transmission system and more than 224,000 miles of distribution lines to safely deliver reliable and affordable power to 5.5 million regulated customers in 11 states. AEP also is one of the nation’s largest electricity producers with approximately 31,000 megawatts of diverse generating capacity, including more than 7,100 megawatts of renewable energy. The company’s plans include growing its renewable generation portfolio to approximately 50% of total capacity by 2030. AEP is on track to reach an 80% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from 2005 levels by 2030 and has committed to achieving net zero by 2045. AEP is recognized consistently for its focus on sustainability, community engagement, and diversity, equity and inclusion. AEP’s family of companies includes utilities AEP Ohio, AEP Texas, Appalachian Power (in Virginia and West Virginia), AEP Appalachian Power (in Tennessee), Indiana Michigan Power, Kentucky Power, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, and Southwestern Electric Power Company (in Arkansas, Louisiana, east Texas and the Texas Panhandle). AEP also owns AEP Energy, which provides innovative competitive energy solutions nationwide. For more information, visit aep.com.

MEDIA CONTACT
Tracy Warner
260-479-9484
tkwarner@aep.com