EXHIBIT 12 COLUMBUS SOUTHERN POWER COMPANY Computation of Consolidated Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges (in thousands except ratio data) Twelve Months Year Ended December 31, Ended ----------------------------------------------- 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 9/30/02 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ------- Fixed Charges: Interest on First Mortgage Bonds $55,156 $47,323 $43,207 $40,602 $34,575 $18,629 Interest on Other Long-term Debt 15,525 23,594 25,878 25,878 27,365 31,999 Interest on Short-term Debt 5,104 3,493 2,460 2,412 4,914 3,423 Miscellaneous Interest Charges 4,729 4,459 4,659 14,205 3,755 2,716 Estimated Interest Element in Lease Rentals 4,100 5,300 4,600 5,300 4,800 4,800 ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Total Fixed Charges $84,614 $84,169 $80,804 $88,397 $75,409 $61,567 ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= Earnings: Income Before Extraordinary Item $119,379 $133,044 $150,270 $120,202 $191,900 $203,189 Plus Federal Income Taxes 69,760 71,202 82,686 116,590 94,148 107,831 Plus State and Local Income Taxes 6 3 89 136 8,811 16,795 Plus Fixed Charges (as above) 84,614 84,169 80,804 88,397 75,409 61,567 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Total Earnings $273,759 $288,418 $313,849 $325,325 $370,268 $389,357 ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges 3.23 3.42 3.88 3.68 4.91 6.32 ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ====