Exhibit 23(a)

                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT


         We consent  to the  incorporation  by  reference  in this  Registration
Statement of Kentucky  Power Company on Form S-3 of our reports  dated  February
23, 1999,  appearing in and  incorporated  by reference in the Annual  Report on
Form 10-K of Kentucky  Power Company for the year ended December 31, 1998 and to
the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in the Prospectus, which is part
of this Registration Statement.

/S/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Deloitte & Touche LLP
Columbus, Ohio
April 6, 1999