Exhibit 23



INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT



We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Nos.
33-50373, 33-53133 and 333-106242 of Ohio Power Company on Form S-3 of our
reports dated March 5, 2004 (which reports express unqualified opinions and
include explanatory paragraphs concerning the adoption of new accounting
pronouncements in 2003), appearing in and incorporated by reference in this
Annual Report on Form 10-K of Ohio Power Company for the year ended December 31,
2003.


/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Columbus, Ohio
March 10, 2004