Exhibit 23

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We consent to the  incorporation  by reference in  Registration  Statement  Nos.
333-75783,  33-50373  and  33-53133  of Ohio  Power  Company  on Form S-3 of our
reports dated  February 22, 2000 (March 3, 2000 as to Note 6),  appearing in and
incorporated  by  reference  in this  Annual  Report on Form 10-K of Ohio  Power
Company for the year ended December 31, 1999.


Deloitte & Touche LLP
Columbus, Ohio
March 24, 2000