We have found that if we work with our stakeholders in good faith to find common ground, and if we are honest and candid about our decisions and the basis for them, they will respond in kind – even when our views differ sharply. We deeply appreciate and respect stakeholders’ willingness to bring their issues, questions and concerns directly to us, and we will always endeavor to earn and keep that trust.

Engagement makes us a stronger, better and more resilient company because our stakeholders:

• Inform us of key issues that affect people who are important to us.
• Challenge us continually to improve our performance.
• Give us insights into points of view that we may not have considered.
• Help us understand how we are perceived on the outside.
• Work with us to find common ground and collaborate on common objectives.
• Hold us accountable for our actions and impacts.
• Are willing to engage in meaningful dialogue to achieve reasonable solutions.

As we create a culture of openness within AEP, we have encouraged a similar culture of openness with our stakeholders. It is not uncommon for leaders of environmental groups or governors in our states to call our chairman or other senior executives to discuss issues, raise concerns or challenge our positions or actions. We feel free to call them on the same basis. Last year, for example, we organized stakeholder calls, chaired by Mike Morris, to answer questions about our position on proposed EPA regulations. We see transparency, accessibility and engagement as important ways to manage our business risks, build trusting relationships, support our communities and ensure our financial health.

Allen Hershkowitz, left, senior scientist at the Natural Resources Defense Council, tours the Mountaineer Plant control room with Plant Manager Charles Powell. Hershkowitz visited Mountaineer to become familiar with how coal plants operate.