American Electric Power Appoints Puesh Kumar as VP of National Security and Resilience

AEP Appoints Puesh Kumar as Vice President of National Security and Resilience

In a significant move towards enhancing its cybersecurity and resilience strategies, American Electric Power (AEP) has announced the appointment of Puesh M. Kumar as its new vice president of National Security and Resilience, effective April 9, 2025. Kumar's extensive experience in energy sector security will be pivotal as the utility navigates the complexities of modern energy demands and national security challenges.

Kumar, who will report directly to Emily Duncan, AEP's senior vice president of Federal Affairs, will operate from the company's Washington, D.C. office. His primary responsibilities will revolve around spearheading AEP's collaborations with various federal agencies, state, local, territorial, and tribal (SLTT) communities, as well as industry partners to address pressing issues in national security, cybersecurity, and grid resilience affecting the electric sector.

Bill Fehrman, President and CEO of AEP, emphasized the importance of a resilient grid, noting that it is integral to the strength and integrity of communities, the economy, and national security. He stated, “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's previous role as the director of the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER) has equipped him with a robust understanding of the security and resilience of electricity, oil, and natural gas systems across the nation. His experience includes representing the Department of Energy (DOE) in National Security Council interagency policy committees, engaging with states on energy security planning, and managing emergency response efforts related to cyber and physical threats. Moreover, Kumar has been active in advising Congressional committees on various threats to the electricity, oil, and gas systems and has led discussions with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to enhance the reliability and security of the U.S. electricity sector.

With over 20 years in the energy sector, Kumar’s rich background includes significant roles at Southern California Edison, the American Public Power Association, and Memphis Light, Gas and Water, focusing on topics such as grid modernization, cybersecurity, and resource adequacy. He holds a degree in electrical engineering with a concentration on power systems, further solidifying his foundation for this pivotal role.

American Electric Power, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, is committed to advancing the quality of life for its customers by providing reliable and affordable energy solutions. The company is engaging in substantial investments, approximately $54 billion from 2025 to 2029, aimed at improving service capabilities to meet growing energy demands. AEP operates one of the largest electric transmission systems in the U.S. and serves around 5.6 million customers across 11 states.

AEP has a clear focus on safety and operational excellence, striving to create value for its stakeholders and contribute to economic development within the communities it serves. The company’s mission is underpinned by the dedication of its nearly 16,000 employees who maintain over 40,000 line miles of transmission and 225,000 miles of distribution lines.

This strategic appointment of Puesh Kumar marks a critical step for AEP as it continues to evolve and prepare for the future amidst the increasing demands for energy security and resilience in an ever-changing landscape.