Exhibit 23

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We consent to the  incorporation  by  reference  in  Post-Effective
Amendment  No.  3  to   Registration   Statement  No.  33-01052  of
American   Electric   Power   Company,   Inc.   on  Form   S-8  and
Post-Effective  Amendment  No.  3  to  Registration  Statement  No.
33-01734 of American  Electric Power  Company,  Inc. on Form S-3 of
our  reports   dated   February   23,   1999,   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, 1998.

Deloitte & Touche LLP
Columbus, Ohio
March 29, 1999