This is in line with American Electric Power Co. Inc.'s (AEP) previously announced strategy, and we expect the company to fund the transaction in a credit-supportive manner. This acquisition will help AEP lower its overall carbon dioxide emissions and the proportion of coal-based generation. AEP is one of the largest electric utilities in the U.S., delivering electricity to about 5.4 million customers across 11 states. This diversity helps mitigate the impact of adverse regulatory decisions or regional economic challenges. The jurisdictions generally have a constructive regulatory framework that provides for the timely recovery of approved capital expenditures, as well as pass-through fuel cost mechanisms and recovery of various operating expenses. AEP's latest capital spending plan calls for higher spending on
