Hey Army!

We’ve had some big news in the past few weeks and I wanted to share some of the biggest news with you today.  American Electric Power Company, one of the major suppliers of electric energy in the United States, has signed on to the Pickens Plan to help us push for a 21st Century transmission grid.

AEP operates in 11 states and owns the nation’s largest electricity transmission system — so they are a key part of realizing our vision for wind. To bring more renewable energy to market, we must have transmission.

The Chairman, President and CEO of American Electric Power is a good friend and a very smart guy named Mike Morris.  I want to introduce him to you because he gets it.  And, because AEP has over 5 million customers, they get it, too.

Mike, say a few words to the 1.4 million members of the New Energy Army.

Thank you Boone.  At American Electric Power we support a more diversified and domestic-based energy supply mix, increased energy efficiency and greater investment in new energy technologies. Energy will play a central role in our economic recovery and support for modernizing our electric system is stronger than ever.   We know that as alternative energy sources continue to come to be harnessed, we will need a smarter, modern and more efficient transmission system that can move that energy from where it is being produced, often in remote locations, to where it is needed at any given time. Imagine meeting the high demand for electricity on a hot summer day in New York with power that includes wind from Kansas and a few hours later shifting that power to meet the same needs in southern California. We can’t do that today. We will only be able to do this if we modernize our transmission grid.

We want to be able to continue to deliver electric power where it is needed, when it is needed as efficiently and cleanly as possible.  This is not only good business, for AEP, but it is good for America as we all work together to rebuild our economy.  Boone?

Thank you, Mike.  The Pickens Plan is much stronger for having partners like AEP.  The Army is marching forward along a broader front because AEP is on board.

-T. Boone Pickens and Michael Morris

P.S.  AEP and the Pickens Plan are partners in the Virtual March on Washington that will take place April 1-3.  Will you join us?