American Electric Power

American Electric Power received a score of 90 on the 2025 Corporate Equality Index (CEI) from the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), a political stakeholder group. The company recruits employees based on sexual identity issues. The company discriminates against vendors that do not promote divisive sex and gender policies, indicating it prioritizes sexual issues over merit (1)(2). AEP incentivizes employees and directors to contribute to its clean energy transition by tying their compensation to the company’s progress in increasing carbon-free generation capacity (3). However, the company has not publicly canceled customers, suppliers, or vendors based on political views or religious beliefs (4).

American Electric Power’s HRC 2025 CEI rating indicates the company will not donate to non-religious charities unless they embrace controversial sexual identity policies (1)(2). American Electric Power does not discriminate against charitable organizations based on views or beliefs. However, it will only give to religious organizations that provide non-sectarian services. AEP’s charitable giving is focused on supporting local hunger, education, and general community initiatives (3). Southwestern Electric Power Company does not discriminate against charitable organizations based on views or beliefs (4)(5).

American Electric Power’s HRC 2025 CEI rating indicates the company provides a specific benefits guide with a comprehensive explanation of transgender services funded by the company (1)(2). AEP appears to prioritize diversity over merit in its business practices, including its supply chain (3)(4). AEP does not provide viewpoint protections for its employees (5)(6)(7). Southwestern Electric Power Company does not provide viewpoint protections for its employees (8)(9).

American Electric Power’s HRC 2025 CEI rating indicates the company agrees to allow a controversial stakeholder group focused on sexual identity issues to dictate marketing or advertising strategy. By doing so, the company risks dividing employees, alienating customers and harming shareholders (1)(2). AEP’s former CEO Nicholas K. Akins signed the Business Roundtable’s 2019 Statement on the Purpose of a Corporation, which promotes stakeholder capitalism over traditional obligations to shareholders (3). The company is still listed as a member of the Business Roundtable and supports the Equality Act (4)(5). The company is committed to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 (6). AEP’s former CEO Nicholas K. Akins signed the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion Pledge, which includes a commitment to promote DEI through bias education training in the workplace (7)(8).

American Electric Power’s HRC 2025 CEI rating indicates the company covers transgender related costs for its employees and their children, including paid short-term leave, puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, chest surgeries, genital surgeries, medical visits and lab monitoring, travel and lodging. Additionally, the company has pledged philanthropic support of at least one organization or event that promotes sex and gender ideology. By allowing a political stakeholder group to dictate operations, the company increases health care costs and risks dividing employees, alienating customers and harming shareholders (1)(2). American Electric Power provides a benefits package for employees that covers travel/lodging costs for an abortion and transgender medical procedures for covered employees and dependents, including children (3)(4)(5)(6). AEP donated 3.1% of its $35.1 million in charitable giving to “Social & Racial Justice” organizations (7). AEP funded the Stonewall Columbus Pride Parade (8). Otherwise, there are no publicly known cases of AEP using corporate funds to advance ideological causes, organizations, or policies (9).

American Electric Power’s HRC 2025 CEI rating indicates the company publicly advocated for controversial sex and gender ideology through local, state or federal legislation or initiatives. By allowing a political stakeholder group to dictate operations, the company risks dividing employees, alienating customers and harming shareholders (1)(2). AEP has not used its PAC donations or lobbying for ideological purposes (3)(4)(5).