AEP leader visits Ohio State to address energy issues

With gasoline approaching four dollars a gallon and crude oil hitting record highs, how will we be able to provide an affordable yet clean source of energy for the future?

Michael G. Morris, American Electric Power (AEP) chairman, president and chief executive officer will make The Ohio State University a part of "The Future of Energy" University Listening Tour and give his insights on these critical questions. The event will be held on from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday (4/2) in the Wexner Center Film/Video Theatre, 1871 N. High Street. This event is free and open to the university community, but seating is limited. Doors open at 12:45 p.m.

Morris will speak with students about energy availability, security and related issues followed by an extensive question-and-answer session. Ohio State is one of only six universities included in the tour.

"The tour's purpose is to engage young people on college campuses across America in a discussion about what it will take to ensure our nation's energy security, and to address the deepening challenge of meeting the growing demand for electricity while protecting the environment," Morris said.

"Too often, young voters feel marginalized on issues they care passionately about. Polls show that young people's confidence in our democracy and government is near an all-time low, yet volunteerism and civic participation are near all-time highs."

It has never been more important for young voters to understand the issues involving energy and the environment, and how they are so deeply connected to one another and America's future. It is vital that they are made aware of these issues, and imperative that they are encouraged to continue learning and to share their opinions and ideas.

"We want to give students a chance to be heard," Morris said. "They are our future leaders, and their opinions may help AEP and our industry to chart a better course."

Morris joined AEP in January 2004. He had been chairman, president and chief executive officer of Northeast Utilities in Connecticut from 1997 to 2003 and, before that, was president of CMS Marketing, Services and Trading in Michigan. Morris also was president of Colorado Interstate Gas Company, executive vice president of marketing, transportation and gas supply for ANR Pipeline Company, and a founder and president of the ANR Gathering Company, one of the nation's first gas marketing companies.

His first position after graduate school was in the environmental department of Commonwealth Associates preparing environmental impact statements for electrical utility transmission lines, natural gas and oil pipelines and power plants.