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 ----------------------------------------------- 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 3/31/03 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ------- Fixed Charges: Interest on First Mortgage Bonds $47,323 $43,207 $40,602 $34,575 $17,756 $ 17,376 Interest on Other Long-term Debt 23,594 25,878 25,878 27,365 32,762 35,461 Interest on Short-term Debt 3,493 2,460 2,412 4,914 3,244 1,815 Miscellaneous Interest Charges 4,459 4,659 14,205 3,755 2,585 2,568 Estimated Interest Element in Lease Rentals 5,300 4,600 5,300 4,800 3,500 3,500 ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------- Total Fixed Charges $84,169 $80,804 $88,397 $75,409 $59,847 $ 60,720 ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======== Earnings: Income Before Extraordinary Item $133,044 $150,270 $120,202 $191,900 $181,173 $185,674 Plus Federal Income Taxes 71,202 82,686 116,590 94,148 93,484 91,796 Plus State and Local Income Taxes 3 89 136 8,811 17,519 20,384 Plus Fixed Charges (as above) 84,169 80,804 88,397 75,409 59,847 60,720 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Total Earnings $288,418 $313,849 $325,325 $370,268 $352,023 $358,574 ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges 3.42 3.88 3.68 4.91 5.88 5.90 ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ====