We are committed to the prosperity of the communities we serve and in which we operate. Our operating companies partner with state and local organizations to provide economic development grants and work with communities and other companies to create jobs and spur economic growth. In 2009, we provided more than $1 million to nearly 200 organizations.

Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) is working with Indiana to bring an Italian-based company to the state that will create 455 local jobs and increase tax revenue. Brevini, a maker of wind turbine gear boxes, is building a $62.5 million design and manufacturing plant that will serve as its U.S. headquarters. To serve Brevini, I&M is building a 5.8-mile extension of a 138-kilovolt(kV) transmission line and a 12 kV distribution substation. The project, to be finished in 2011, is the single largest industrial project in Delaware County, Indiana, and the company's new manufacturing facility is expected to meet LEED standards, making it energy efficient.

AEP Texas was a founding member of TexasOne, the major source of economic development marketing funds for the state of Texas. TexasOne's mission is to promote business growth to Texas by creating successful public-private partnerships. In 2009, members of TexasOne met with more than 75 companies and site consultants, resulting in 3,498 new jobs being announced with more than $1.3 billion in capital investment.

Our commitment to economic development contributed to AEP being named one of Site Selection magazine's "Top Utilities in Economic Development." The award takes into consideration responses from site selection consultants, corporate end users, and our investment in new generation, transmission and renewable energy projects.

Our impact is magnified by our economic development teams that partner with local, regional and state organizations to recruit and retain local businesses.

AEP helps distribution suppliers think green (pdf)