GAHANNA, Ohio – AEP Ohio residential customers now have the option of obtaining additional protection on critical electric equipment, thanks to a new home warranty program now being offered by the company.

AEP Ohio, a unit of American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP), in partnership with HomeServe USA Corp (HomeServe), a third-party home repair service provider, is offering the Exterior Electric Line service plan for repair of overhead and underground electric equipment not typically covered by homeowner’s insurance.

This equipment includes the weatherhead, service entrance cable, riser pipe, meter base and meter box.

“Customers often are not aware of their responsibility to repair the service entrance equipment, or the point where power lines attach to their home, until it is too late,” said Karen Sloneker, AEP Ohio’s director of customer services and marketing. “Should this equipment be damaged, repairs can cost hundreds of dollars and normally are not covered by basic homeowner’s insurance. We are pleased to be able to offer our customers this optional program that can help them protect themselves in case of an emergency.”

Residential customers will be able to get up to $3,000 in coverage annually with the Exterior Electric Line service plan and choose from a menu of other service plans, including coverage for interior electrical lines, HVAC systems, and water and sewer/septic systems. (For a full list of service plans visit www.AEPOhio.com/HomeWarranty). Most plans are in the $5-$11 price point per month. Customers will have access to a 24-hour repair hotline and repairs will be performed by local, certified technicians. Costs will be added to the customer’s monthly electric bill, and customers may cancel warranty coverage at any time.

HomeServe, established in the U.S. in 2003, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of HomeServe Plc, which has provided home emergency assistance programs for households for over 20 years.

For more information on the warranty program, visit www.AEPOhio.com/HomeWarranty.