AEP backs Pickens´ plan for wind power, natural gas

Feb. 19 -- American Electronic Power Co. Inc. is backing T. Boone Pickens´ plan to generate 22% of the nation´s electricity from wind and run vehicles on natural gas.

The Columbus, Ohio-based utility, the largest in the United States, has signed on as a corporate sponsor of the Pickens Plan. The plan calls for replacing the 22% of the nation´s electricity generated from natural gas with wind, and using that natural gas to power vehicles. It also supports the development of an extra-high voltage transmission system to deliver expanded renewable energy generation.

An extra-high voltage superhighway is necessary to transport electricity generated from renewable energy to the nation´s population centers, said Michael G. Morris, chairman, president and CEO of AEP.

Contact Waste & Recycling News reporter Joe Truini at 330-865-6166 or jtruini@crain.com

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