AEP Names Puesh Kumar Vice President of National Security and Resilience

Core Insights - American Electric Power (AEP) has appointed Puesh M. Kumar as vice president of National Security and Resilience, effective April 9, 2025 [1] - Kumar will lead AEP's engagement with federal agencies and other partners on national security, cybersecurity, and grid resilience issues [2] - AEP emphasizes the importance of a resilient grid for community integrity, economic strength, and national security, highlighting Kumar's extensive experience in energy security planning [3] Company Overview - AEP is investing $54 billion from 2025 to 2029 to enhance service and support growing energy needs [5] - The company operates the largest electric transmission system in the U.S. with 40,000 line miles and over 225,000 miles of distribution lines, serving 5.6 million customers across 11 states [5] - AEP has a generating capacity of approximately 29,000 megawatts and is focused on safety, operational excellence, and community engagement [5] Leadership Background - Kumar has over 20 years of experience in the energy sector, previously serving as the director of the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response [3][4] - His past roles include positions at Southern California Edison, the American Public Power Association, and Memphis Light, Gas, and Water, focusing on grid modernization and cybersecurity [4]