Exhibit 23(a)

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT


We consent to the  incorporation  by reference in  Registration  Statement  Nos.
333-46360,  333-39402,  333-66048  and  333-62278  of  American  Electric  Power
Company,  Inc.  on Form  S-8,  Post-Effective  Amendment  No. 1 to  Registration
Statement No.  333-50109 of American  Electric Power Company,  Inc. on Form S-8,
Post-Effective  Amendment  No.  3 to  Registration  Statement  No.  33-01052  of
American Electric Power Company,  Inc. on Form S-8, Post Effective Amendment No.
3 to  Registration  Statement No.  33-01734 of American  Electric Power Company,
Inc. on Form S-3 and Registration  Statement No. 333-58540 of American  Electric
Power  Company,  Inc. on Form S-3,  of our  reports  dated  February  22,  2002,
appearing in and incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of
American Electric Power Company, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2001.


/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Deloitte & Touche LLP
Columbus, Ohio
March 28, 2002