Previous winners
2025: American Electric Power (AEP)
American Electric Power (AEP) is being honored for its visionary approach to community support, proving that advanced data analytics can be a powerful tool for social good. By launching a massive, digital-first outreach initiative across its multi-state service territory, AEP has effectively addressed traditional barriers—transportation, scheduling, and mobility—that often prevent vulnerable families from accessing energy assistance.
AEP’s impact is defined by three key achievements:
- Precision at Scale. Utilizing advanced data modeling, AEP identified nearly 1 million households most likely to be eligible for support. By delivering more than 4.5 million personalized, mobile-first communications, the company transitioned assistance from a passive “wait-and-see” model to an active, customer-first service.
- Bridging the Awareness Gap. Perhaps the most significant finding was that 37% of identified applicants came from communities not traditionally flagged as low-to-moderate income. This data-driven strategy allowed AEP to find “the hidden vulnerable”—households that might have otherwise fallen through the cracks of traditional outreach.
- Measurable Results and Renewed Trust. The initiative achieved a remarkable 75% survey completion rate, with more than 100,000 customers beginning the eligibility process. Beyond the logistics, the campaign contributed to a 39% increase in customers who strongly agree that AEP provides programs to help them afford their bills, shifting perceptions of the utility from a service provider to a true community partner.
By layering high-tech digital engagement over essential in-person community work, AEP has created a streamlined “one-stop shop” experience that connects customers to programs like the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and other assistance resources. Their work sets a new industry standard for how utilities can proactively ensure that no household is left behind in the effort to keep energy affordable and advance energy equity.
