COLUMBUS, Ohio, Oct. 20, 1998 -- AEP Communications has signed an agreement with Magnelab to be the exclusive purchaser and reseller of Magnelab´s new line of split-core current transformers (CT). The new CTs provide AEP Communications with the ability to provide its customers with low-impact on-line monitoring installations without sacrificing accuracy.

AEP Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP), will use the transformers in Datapultsm, which is an Internet-based portfolio of energy information services.

Split-core current transformers have traditionally been accurate to only a few percentage points, versus metering-class current transformers that allow for revenue accuracy metering.

"Magnelab´s engineers worked with us to develop a metering-class split-core CT," said Don Howell, director - energy information systems product development for AEP Communications. "The split core allows for a more customer-friendly installation of our Datapult Information Sensor. We don´t have to shut off power during installation; it´s more convenient for the customer, who will not experience systems such as lights or HVAC being interrupted for even a short while."

The Information Sensor, one option in Datapult´s core service package, is a device that "plugs in" to the customer´s electrical distribution panels and telecommunications system, then gathers and reports detailed information on energy use by site, process or key equipment back to Datapult Central. It can report electricity, gas and water consumption information in 15-minute increments.

"We´re very excited about this breakthrough component of Datapult, and about the advantages it will provide our customers when we connect Datapult´s Information Sensor to their electric systems," Howell said.

Phil Hemmer, general manager of Magnelab, said, "We are extremely pleased to be partnering with AEP Communications in support of their innovative Datapult project. They were integral in our development of a metering class, opening-style CT."

Howell indicated that the number of split-core CTs used at a customer´s site will depend upon how many electrical quantities the customer would like to monitor.

Magnelab, located in Longmont, Colo., designs and manufactures custom magnetic components as well as a full line of current and potential transformers serving the energy monitoring industry.

Magnelab is a division of Solomon Corporation, located in Solomon, Kan. Solomon Corporation provides power/distribution products and services meeting the needs of public utilities nationwide.

AEP Communications, LLC, was formed in 1997 to provide fiber, wireless and information services to wholesale and retail customers. The company has built high-speed fiber optic lines and wireless antenna structures, and has invested in digital personal communications service providers.

AEP, a global energy company, is one of the United States´ largest investor-owned utilities, providing energy to 3 million customers in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. AEP has holdings in the United States, the United Kingdom, China and Australia. Wholly owned subsidiaries provide power engineering, energy consulting and energy management services around the world. The company is based in Columbus, Ohio. On Dec. 22, 1997, AEP announced a definitive merger agreement for a tax-free, stock-for-stock transaction with Central and South West Corp., a public utility holding company based in Dallas.

Information about Datapult can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.aep.com/datapult, or by calling toll-free 1-877-DATAPULT (1-877-328-2785).