Exhibit 23

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, Post Effective  Amendment No. 1 to Registration  Statement No.
333-86050 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 21, 2003,  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, 2002.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Deloitte & Touche LLP
Columbus, Ohio
March 20, 2003