ROANOKE, Va., April 12, 2006 – Appalachian Power will modify its normal release of water from Claytor Lake beginning Saturday, April 15.
 
As has been the practice in past years, the Claytor hydroelectric generation plant will begin a levelized “run of river” operation. This is designed to accommodate recreational needs and activities downstream from the dam on New River.
 
Under levelized flow operations, the forebay will be maintained at between 1845´ and 1846´.
 
This recreational flow modification period will end October 15, 2006.
 
Releases and lake levels should be similar to those provided in past years.
 
            All flow modifications are contingent upon restrictions or requirements that may be caused by extreme weather or other demands. Changes may be made without notice.
 
Up-to-date information on water levels at Claytor Lake other Appalachian Power and AEP hydroelectric facilities is available on Appalachian Power’s on-line site:
http://www.aep.com/environmental/renewables/hydro/default.asp
 
Appalachian Power provides electricity to 1 million customers in Virginia, West Virginia and Tennessee.  It is a unit of American Electric Power, the nation’s largest electricity generator.  AEP owns more than 36,000 megawatts of generating capacity and is one of the nation’s largest electric utilities, with more than 5 million customers in 11 states.