AEP Names Puesh Kumar Vice President of National Security and Resilience

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American Electric Power (AEP) has appointed Puesh M. Kumar as Vice President of National Security and Resilience, effective April 9. Kumar, who will be based in Washington, D.C., will report to Emily Duncan, Senior Vice President of Federal Affairs.

Kumar joins AEP from his current position as director of the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER). In this role, he led initiatives focusing on the security and resilience of U.S. energy systems, managed the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and directed emergency response efforts.

With over 20 years of energy sector experience, Kumar's background includes positions at Southern California Edison, American Public Power Association, and Memphis Light, Gas, and Water. He holds a degree in electrical engineering with a focus on power systems and will lead AEP's engagement with federal agencies and industry partners on national security, cybersecurity, and grid resilience issues.

Positive

• Strategic hire strengthens AEP's cybersecurity and grid resilience capabilities
• Brings extensive federal regulatory and energy security expertise

Negative

• None.

COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) has named Puesh M. Kumar vice president of National Security and Resilience, effective April 9. Kumar will report to Emily Duncan, senior vice president of Federal Affairs, and will be based in the company's Washington, D.C. office.

Kumar will be responsible for leading AEP's engagement with federal agencies, state, local, territorial, and tribal (SLTT) communities, and other industry partners on national security, cybersecurity and grid resilience issues facing the electric sector.

"A resilient grid is essential to the integrity and strength of our communities, the economy and national security," said AEP President and Chief Executive Officer Bill Fehrman. "Puesh brings to this role deep industry experience and demonstrated expertise in energy security planning. We welcome him to the team to continue shaping important stakeholder relationships and policy strategy to create the grid of the future."

Kumar currently is the director of the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER). In this role, he has led a team focused on the security and resilience of electricity, oil, and natural gas systems across the United States. He represented DOE on National Security Council interagency policy committees focused on cybersecurity and critical infrastructure resilience, worked with states on energy security planning, led research and development efforts, managed the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and directed emergency response efforts for cyber, physical and natural hazards impacting the energy system. Also, he has briefed Congressional committees and staff on threats to electricity, oil, and natural gas systems, led and engaged in technical conferences with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and worked with public utility commissions on strengthening the reliability, security and resilience of the U.S. electricity sector. Kumar also has represented DOE and the U.S. government in bilateral and multilateral engagements with allies across the globe.

Kumar has more than 20 years of experience in the energy sector. Prior to his role at DOE, he worked at Southern California Edison, the American Public Power Association, and Memphis Light, Gas, and Water working on topics spanning grid modernization, reliability, cybersecurity, resource adequacy, artificial intelligence and supply chain security. He has a degree in electric engineering with a focus on power systems.

About AEP
Our team at American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) is committed to improving our customers' lives with reliable, affordable power. We are investing $54 billion from 2025 through 2029 to enhance service for customers and support the growing energy needs of our communities. Our nearly 16,000 employees operate and maintain the nation's largest electric transmission system with 40,000 line miles, along with more than 225,000 miles of distribution lines to deliver energy to 5.6 million customers in 11 states. AEP also is one of the nation's largest electricity producers with approximately 29,000 megawatts of diverse generating capacity. We are focused on safety and operational excellence, creating value for our stakeholders and bringing opportunity to our service territory through economic development and community engagement. Our family of companies includes AEP Ohio, AEP Texas, Appalachian Power (in Virginia, West Virginia and Tennessee), Indiana Michigan Power, Kentucky Power, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, and Southwestern Electric Power Company (in Arkansas, Louisiana, east Texas and the Texas Panhandle). AEP also owns AEP Energy, which provides innovative competitive energy solutions nationwide. AEP is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. For more information, visit aep.com.

 

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SOURCE American Electric Power

FAQ

What role will Puesh Kumar assume at AEP and when does it start?

Puesh Kumar will become Vice President of National Security and Resilience at AEP, effective April 9, reporting to Emily Duncan in Washington, D.C.

What was Puesh Kumar's previous position before joining AEP?

He was the director of the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER).

What will be Kumar's main responsibilities at AEP?

Kumar will lead AEP's engagement with federal agencies, state/local communities, and industry partners on national security, cybersecurity, and grid resilience issues.

What is Puesh Kumar's background in the energy sector?

Kumar has over 20 years of energy sector experience, including roles at Southern California Edison, American Public Power Association, and Memphis Light, Gas, and Water.