Simmons, Solomon gain Oklahoma utility posts

American Electric Power (AEP) recently announced the appointment of Peggy Simmons and Stuart Solomon to executive posts within the company.
Simmons has been appointed to the role of president and chief operating officer of AEP’s Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) while Solomon is AEP’s new generation senior vice president of Generation Services.

“Peggy’s operational experience, regulatory knowledge, and dynamic leadership style will serve us well as we continue to focus on delivering exceptional service to our customers in Oklahoma and providing the new services, energy resources and technologies that bring value to our customers,” Paul Chodak, AEP Utilities executive vice president, said.

Simmons, who succeeds Solomon, will be responsible for all aspects of electric service for PSO’s customer base, which exceeds 550,000, per officials.

Solomon will lead the development of generation strategies for AEP’s operating companies and support asset optimization for the company’s power plants, among other responsibilities.

“Under Stuart’s leadership, PSO has increased customer satisfaction significantly as the company has focused on improving reliability and adding new tools and services to help customers better manage their energy costs,” Chodak said. “His commitment to operational excellence, safety and customer service will remain critical in his new role in generation.”

Simmons currently serves as AEP’s managing director of transmission asset strategy, where she maintains responsibility for transmission strategy and policy, regulatory support, as well as outreach, siting and rights-of-way for transmission projects.

Solomon was named president and chief operating officer of PSO in 2004 and was AEP’s vice president of public policy and regulatory services from 2000 to 2004.