Press release
AEP Ohio, a unit of American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP), is urging everyone to be cautious when using the new “Pokemon Go” app and to stay away from all electrical facilities. The app uses buildings and landmarks as gathering sites for players. The company has learned there is discussion that players can catch electric-type Pokemon near substations and transformers.
Electrical equipment is very dangerous and not to be considered gaming locations. AEP Ohio urges gamers, its customers and the public to stay away from substations, all power lines and equipment on utility poles and underground electrical facilities commonly identifiable as those green boxes in neighborhood yards. Never attempt to enter substations or climb company poles to try and reach transformers. Serious injury or death can occur.
The company urges the public to report any such activity around its facilities to local law enforcement or AEP’s security hotline at 1-866-747-5845.