Registration No. 333-     
                                                                           

                          SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                                WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


                                       FORM S-3
                                REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                        UNDER
                              THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

                              Appalachian Power Company
                (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

          Virginia                                               54-0124790
          (State or other jurisdiction                     (I.R.S. Employer
          of incorporation or organization)             Identification No.)

          40 Franklin Road
          Roanoke, Virginia                                           24011
          (Address of principal executive offices)               (Zip Code)

           Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 540-985-2300

                              ARMANDO A. PENA, Treasurer
                     AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER SERVICE CORPORATION
                                  1 Riverside Plaza
                                 Columbus, Ohio 43215
                                     614-223-2850
              (Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)

             It is respectfully requested that the Commission send copies
                    of all notices, orders and communications to:

          Simpson Thacher & Bartlett         Dewey Ballantine
          425 Lexington Avenue               1301 Avenue of the Americas
          New York, NY 10017-3909            New York, NY 10019-6092
          Attention: James M. Cotter         Attention: E. N. Ellis, IV

          Approximate date of  commencement of proposed sale to the public:
          As soon as  practicable after the effective date of the Registra-
          tion Statement.

               If  the only  securities being  registered on this  Form are
          being  offered  pursuant  to  dividend  or  interest reinvestment
          plans, please check the following box.  [ ]

               If any  of the securities being registered  on this Form are
          to be offered  on a delayed or continuous basis  pursuant to Rule
          415  under  the Securities  Act  of 1933,  other  than securities
          offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment
          plans, please check the following box.  [ ]

               If this Form is filed to  register additional securities for
          an offering  pursuant to Rule  462(b) under  the Securities  Act,
          please  check  the following  box  and  list  the Securities  Act
          registration   statement  number   of   the   earlier   effective
          registration statement for the same offering.  [ ]

               If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to
          Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and
          list  the Securities  Act  registration statement  number of  the
          earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  
          [ ]

               If  delivery  of  the  prospectus  is  expected  to be  made
          pursuant to Rule 434, please check the following box.  [ ]

          
                           CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
          

             Title of                 Proposed
            Each Class                Maximum     Proposed
                of                    Offering    Maximum
            Securities      Amount     Price     Aggregate     Amount of
               to be        to be       Per       Offering   Registration
            Registered    Registered   Unit*       Price*         Fee
                                                      

              Junior
           Subordinated
            Debentures   $75,000,000    100%    $75,000,000     $25,863
          

          *Estimated  solely for  purpose of  calculating the  registration
          fee.

               The registrant hereby amends this registration  statement on
          such date  or dates as  may be necessary  to delay its  effective
          date until the  registrant shall file  a further amendment  which
          specifically  states  that   this  registration  statement  shall
          thereafter become  effective in  accordance with Section  8(a) of
          the Securities  Act of 1933, or until  the registration statement
          shall  become effective  on such  date as the  Commission, acting
          pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
                                                                      

          INFORMATION  CONTAINED  HEREIN   IS  SUBJECT  TO  COMPLETION   OR
          AMENDMENT.  A REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES
          HAS  BEEN  FILED WITH  THE  SECURITIES  AND EXCHANGE  COMMISSION.
          THESE  SECURITIES  MAY NOT  BE  SOLD  NOR MAY  OFFERS  TO  BUY BE
          ACCEPTED  PRIOR TO  THE TIME  THE REGISTRATION  STATEMENT BECOMES
          EFFECTIVE.  THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL
          OR THE  SOLICITATION OF AN  OFFER TO BUY  NOR SHALL THERE  BE ANY
          SALE OF THESE SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFER,
          SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD  BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO  REGISTRATION OR
          QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH JURISDICTION.


                   SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED SEPTEMBER 3, 1996


          PROSPECTUS


                                     $75,000,000
                              APPALACHIAN POWER COMPANY
              _____% JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEFERRABLE INTEREST DEBENTURES
                                  SERIES A, DUE 2026


               The  Junior  Subordinated  Deferrable  Interest  Debentures,
          Series A, Due 2026,  will mature on September 30, 2026  (the "New
          Junior  Subordinated Debentures").   Interest  on the  New Junior
          Subordinated Debentures is payable quarterly, in arrears, on each
          March  31, June  30,  September 30  and  December 31,  commencing
          December 31, 1996.   The New Junior Subordinated  Debentures will
          be  redeemable  at 100%  of  the principal  amount  redeemed plus
          accrued  interest to  the redemption  date at  the option  of the
          Company in whole or in part on  or after September __, 2001.  The
          New  Junior  Subordinated Debentures  will  be  represented by  a
          global debenture  registered  in the  name of  a  nominee of  The
          Depository Trust  Company, as  Depository, and will  be available
          for purchase in  denominations of $25  and any integral  multiple
          thereof.  See "Description of New Junior Subordinated Debentures"
          herein.

               Payment of the  principal of, premium, if  any, and interest
          on  the New  Junior Subordinated  Debentures is  subordinated and
          subject  in right of payment to the  prior payment in full of all
          Senior  Indebtedness  of  the  Company.   As  of  June  30, 1996,
          outstanding   Senior  Indebtedness  of   the  Company  aggregated
          approximately $1,400,000,000.

               Application will be made to have the New Junior Subordinated
          Debentures listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

               SEE  "INVESTMENT  CONSIDERATIONS"  FOR  CERTAIN  INFORMATION
          RELEVANT  TO  AN  INVESTMENT  IN  THE   NEW  JUNIOR  SUBORDINATED
          DEBENTURES, INCLUDING  THE PERIODS  AND CIRCUMSTANCES  DURING AND
          UNDER WHICH  PAYMENT OF INTEREST  ON THE NEW  JUNIOR SUBORDINATED
          DEBENTURES MAY BE  DEFERRED AND  THE RELATED  FEDERAL INCOME  TAX
          CONSEQUENCES.

          THESE SECURITIES  HAVE NOT  BEEN APPROVED  OR DISAPPROVED BY  THE
          SECURITIES  AND  EXCHANGE  COMMISSION  OR  ANY  STATE  SECURITIES
          COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE  COMMISSION OR ANY
          STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE  ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY
          OF  THIS PROSPECTUS.   ANY  REPRESENTATION TO  THE CONTRARY  IS A
          CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

                          Initial Public      Underwriting    Proceeds to
                         Offering Price(1)   Discount(2)(4)   Company(3)(4)

          Per New Junior
            Subordinated
            Debenture ......            %                %               %

              Total ........ $                 $                $


          (1)  Plus accrued  interest, if  any, from  the date of  original
               issuance.

          (2)  The Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against
               certain liabilities, including certain liabilities under the
               Securities Act  of  1933, as  amended.   See  "Underwriting"
               herein.

          (3)  Before deducting expenses payable  by the Company, estimated
               at $195,363.

          (4)  The  Underwriting Discount  will be  ____% of  the principal
               amount  of the  New Junior  Subordinated Debentures  sold to
               certain  institutions.   Therefore, to  the extent  any such
               sales  are  made  to  such  institutions,  the actual  total
               Underwriting Discount  will  be less  than,  and the  actual
               total Proceeds to Company will be greater than,  the amounts
               shown in the table above.

               The New Junior Subordinated Debentures are offered severally
          by  the Underwriters,  subject  to prior  sale, when,  as  and if
          issued and accepted by them, subject to approval of certain legal
          matters  by  counsel  for  the  Underwriters  and  certain  other
          conditions.   The  Underwriters  reserve the  right to  withdraw,
          cancel  or modify such offer and to  reject orders in whole or in
          part.     It  is  expected  that   delivery  of  the  New  Junior
          Subordinated Debentures will be made in New York, New York, on or
          about September __, 1996.

          Merrill Lynch & Co.

               Dean Witter Reynolds Inc.

                    Lehman Brothers

                         PaineWebber Incorporated

                                   Prudential Securities

                  The date of this Prospectus is September __, 1996.



               IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVER-
          ALLOT  OR EFFECT  TRANSACTIONS  WHICH STABILIZE  OR MAINTAIN  THE
          MARKET PRICE  OF THE  NEW JUNIOR SUBORDINATED  DEBENTURES OFFERED
          HEREBY AT A LEVEL ABOVE THAT WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE PREVAIL IN THE
          OPEN  MARKET.   SUCH  TRANSACTIONS MAY  BE  EFFECTED IN  THE OPEN
          MARKET,  ON THE  NEW  YORK STOCK  EXCHANGE  OR OTHERWISE.    SUCH
          STABILIZING, IF COMMENCED, MAY BE DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME.

               No dealer,  salesperson or other person  has been authorized
          to  give  any  information  or  to make  any  representation  not
          contained in this Prospectus in connection with the offer made by
          this Prospectus,  and,  if given  or  made, such  information  or
          representation must not  be relied upon as having been authorized
          by  the  Company  or any  underwriter,  agent  or  dealer.   This
          Prospectus   does  not  constitute   an  offer  to   sell,  or  a
          solicitation of an  offer to  buy, by any  underwriter, agent  or
          dealer  in  any jurisdiction  in which  it  is unlawful  for such
          underwriter,  agent   or  dealer  to   make  such  an   offer  or
          solicitation.  Neither  the delivery of  this Prospectus nor  any
          sale made  thereunder shall, under any  circumstances, create any
          implication that there has been  no change in the affairs of  the
          Company since the date hereof or thereof.

                                AVAILABLE INFORMATION

               The Company is subject  to the informational requirements of
          the  Securities  Exchange Act  of 1934  (the  "1934 Act")  and in
          accordance therewith files reports and other information with the
          Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").  Such reports and
          other information  may  be inspected  and  copied at  the  public
          reference  facilities maintained by the  SEC at 450 Fifth Street,
          N.W.,  Washington, D.C.  20549;  Northwestern Atrium  Center, 500
          West Madison Street, Suite  1400, Chicago, IL 60661; and  7 World
          Trade Center,  Suite 1300, New  York, NY 10048.   Copies of  such
          material can be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the
          SEC, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed
          rates.    The  SEC maintains  a  Web  site at  http://www.sec.gov
          containing reports,  proxy and  information statements  and other
          information  regarding registrants that  file electronically with
          the  SEC,  including the  Company.    Certain  of  the  Company's
          securities  are listed on the New York  Stock Exchange and on the
          Philadelphia Stock Exchange, where reports  and other information
          concerning the Company may also be inspected.

                         DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

               The following  documents filed by  the Company with  the SEC
          are incorporated in this Prospectus by reference:

               --   The Company's Annual  Report on Form 10-K  for the year
          ended December 31, 1995; and

               --   The Company's  Quarterly Reports  on Form 10-Q  for the
          periods ended March 31, 1996 and June 30, 1996.

               All documents subsequently filed by the Company pursuant  to
          Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d)  of the 1934 Act after the date
          of this Prospectus and  prior to the termination of  the offering
          made by this  Prospectus shall  be deemed to  be incorporated  by
          reference in  this Prospectus and  to be  a part hereof  from the
          date of filing of such documents.

               Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed
          to  be incorporated  by reference  herein shall  be deemed  to be
          modified or superseded  for purposes  of this  Prospectus to  the
          extent  that  a  statement  contained  herein  or  in  any  other
          subsequently filed document which is deemed to be incorporated by
          reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement.  Any such
          statement so modified  or superseded shall not  be deemed, except
          as  so modified  or  superseded, to  constitute  a part  of  this
          Prospectus.

               The Company  will provide without  charge to each  person to
          whom a copy of this Prospectus has been delivered, on the written
          or oral request  of any such person, a copy of  any or all of the
          documents  described  above  which  have  been  incorporated   by
          reference  in  this  Prospectus,  other  than  exhibits  to  such
          documents.  Written requests for  copies of such documents should
          be addressed to Mr.  G. C. Dean, American Electric  Power Service
          Corporation, 1 Riverside Plaza,  Columbus, Ohio 43215  (telephone
          number: 614-223-1000).   The information relating  to the Company
          contained in this Prospectus does not purport to be comprehensive
          and should be read together with the information contained in the
          documents incorporated by reference.

                                  TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                                                       Page

          Available Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  2 
          Documents Incorporated by Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . .  2 
          Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  3 
          Investment Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  3 
          The Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  5 
          Use of Proceeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  5 
          Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges  . . . . . . . . . . . . .  5 
          Description of New Junior Subordinated Debentures . . . . . .  5 
          Certain United States Federal Income Tax Consequences . . . . 16 
          Legal Opinions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
          Experts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 
          Underwriting  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 


                              INVESTMENT CONSIDERATIONS

               Prospective purchasers of New Junior Subordinated Debentures
          should  carefully review  the information contained  elsewhere in
          this Prospectus and  should particularly  consider the  following
          matters:

          Subordination of New Junior Subordinated Debentures

               Payment of the principal  of, premium, if any,  and interest
          on  the New  Junior Subordinated  Debentures is  subordinated and
          subject in right of payment  to the prior payment in full  of all
          Senior  Indebtedness  of  the Company.    As  of  June 30,  1996,
          outstanding  Senior   Indebtedness  of  the   Company  aggregated
          approximately $1,400,000,000.    There are  no terms  in the  New
          Junior Subordinated  Debentures that limit  the Company's ability
          to  incur additional  indebtedness,  including indebtedness  that
          ranks  senior to  the New  Junior Subordinated  Debentures.   See
          "Description    of    New   Junior    Subordinated   Debentures--
          Subordination" herein.

          Option to Extend Interest Payment Period

               The  Company has the right under the Indenture to extend the
          interest  payment  period from  time to  time  on the  New Junior
          Subordinated Debentures to a period not exceeding 20  consecutive
          quarters, and as  a consequence, quarterly  interest payments  on
          the  New Junior  Subordinated Debentures  would be  deferred (but
          would  continue  to  accrue   with  interest  thereon  compounded
          quarterly to  the  extent  permitted  by  law)  during  any  such
          extended  interest payment period.  In the event that the Company
          exercises  this  right,  the  Company  may  not  declare  or  pay
          dividends on, or purchase, acquire, or make a liquidation payment
          with  respect to, any of its capital stock, or make any guarantee
          payments with respect to  the foregoing.  Therefore, the  Company
          believes  that the extension of an interest payment period on the
          New Junior Subordinated  Debentures is  unlikely.   Prior to  the
          termination of any such extension period, the Company may further
          extend the interest payment period, provided that such  extension
          period, together with  all such previous  and further  extensions
          thereof, may not exceed 20  consecutive quarters or extend beyond
          the maturity of the New Junior Subordinated Debentures.  Upon the
          termination  of any  extension  period  and  the payment  of  all
          accrued  and unpaid interest then  due, the Company  may select a
          new extension  period, subject  to the  above requirements.   See
          "Description  of  New Junior  Subordinated  Debentures--Option to
          Extend Interest Payment Period" herein.

               Should an extended interest payment period occur, holders of
          the New Junior  Subordinated Debentures will  continue to  accrue
          income  (as original  issue discount)  for United  States federal
          income  tax purposes even though interest is  not being paid on a
          current basis.  As a result,  a holder will include such interest
          in  gross income for United States federal income tax purposes in
          advance of the  receipt of cash,  and will not  receive the  cash
          from the Company related  to such income if a  holder disposes of
          New Junior Subordinated  Debentures prior to the record  date for
          payment  of interest.  See  "Certain United States Federal Income
          Tax  Consequences--Original Issue  Discount, Market  Discount and
          Acquisition Premium" herein.

          Certain Trading  Characteristics of  the New Junior  Subordinated
          Debentures

               The New Junior Subordinated Debentures are expected to trade
          as  equity   securities  on   the   New  York   Stock   Exchange.
          Consequently, purchasers  will  not  pay  and  sellers  will  not
          receive  any  accrued  and  unpaid  interest  on  the New  Junior
          Subordinated  Debentures  that is  not  included  in the  trading
          price.   For certain tax consequences with respect to such sales,
          see "Certain United States Federal Income Tax Consequences--Sale,
          Exchange and  Retirement of  New Junior  Subordinated Debentures"
          herein.

                                     THE COMPANY

               The  Company  is  engaged   in  the  generation,   purchase,
          transmission and distribution of electric power  to approximately
          859,000 customers in Virginia and West Virginia, and in supplying
          electric power  at wholesale to other  electric utility companies
          and  municipalities  in  those  states  and  in Tennessee.    Its
          principal executive  offices are  located  at 40  Franklin  Road,
          S.W., Roanoke,  Virginia 24011 (telephone  number: 540-985-2300).
          The Company is  a subsidiary of American  Electric Power Company,
          Inc.  ("AEP")  and  is a  part  of  the  American Electric  Power
          integrated utility  system (the  "AEP  System").   The  executive
          offices of AEP are  located at 1 Riverside Plaza,  Columbus, Ohio
          43215 (telephone number: 614-223-1000).

                                   USE OF PROCEEDS

               The Company proposes to  use the net proceeds from  the sale
          of the New  Junior Subordinated Debentures  to refund  cumulative
          preferred stock.  The Company's Cumulative Preferred Stock, 7.40%
          Series, par value $100 per share (250,000 shares outstanding) may
          be  redeemed at  their regular  redemption  price of  $102.11 per
          share,  plus a  sum computed at  the annual dividend  rate to the
          date of redemption.   The Company's  Cumulative Preferred  Stock,
          7.80% Series,  par  value $100  per  share (500,000  shares  out-
          standing) may be  redeemed at their  regular redemption price  of
          $107.80 per  share on or prior  to March 31, 1997  and at $105.20
          per share on and after April 1, 1997, plus  a sum computed at the
          annual dividend rate to the date of redemption.

                          RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

               Below  is set forth the  ratio of earnings  to fixed charges
          for  each of  the twelve  month periods  ended December  31, 1991
          through 1995 and June 30, 1996:


                        12-Month
                      Period Ended                Ratio

                    December 31, 1991             2.85
                    December 31, 1992             2.58
                    December 31, 1993             2.69
                    December 31, 1994             2.37
                    December 31, 1995             2.54
                    June 30, 1996                 2.72


                  DESCRIPTION OF NEW JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES

               The New Junior Subordinated  Debentures will be issued  as a
          series of Junior Subordinated Debentures under an Indenture to be
          entered into between the  Company and The First National  Bank of
          Chicago,  as  Trustee  (the  "Trustee"),  as  supplemented  by  a
          Supplemental  Indenture  (collectively,  the "Indenture").    The
          following  summary does not purport to be complete and is subject
          in all  respects to the  provisions of, and  is qualified  in its
          entirety by reference to, the forms of Indenture and Supplemental
          Indenture, which  are  filed  as  exhibits  to  the  Registration
          Statement  of  which  this Prospectus  forms  a  part.   Whenever
          particular  provisions  or defined  terms  in  the Indenture  are
          referred  to  herein,  such  provisions  or  defined  terms   are
          incorporated by reference herein.  Section and Article references
          used herein are references to  provisions of the Indenture unless
          otherwise noted.

          General

               The  New Junior Subordinated  Debentures will  be unsecured,
          subordinated obligations of the Company.  The Indenture  does not
          limit  the  aggregate  principal  amount  of  Junior Subordinated
          Debentures that may  be issued thereunder  and provides that  the
          Junior Subordinated Debentures may be issued thereunder from time
          to time in one or more series.

               The Indenture does  not contain any  provisions that  afford
          holders of  New Junior Subordinated Debentures  protection in the
          event of a highly leveraged transaction involving the Company.

          Principal Amount, Interest and Maturity

               The New Junior  Subordinated Debentures will  be limited  in
          aggregate principal amount to $75,000,000.

               The New Junior Subordinated Debentures will mature September
          30, 2026  and will bear interest  at the rate per  annum shown in
          the  title  thereof  from  the  date  on  which  the  New  Junior
          Subordinated Debentures are originally issued until the principal
          amount thereof becomes due and payable.  Interest will be payable
          quarterly,  in arrears, on each  March 31, June  30, September 30
          and December 31,  commencing December 31, 1996.   Interest (other
          than interest payable on redemption or maturity)  will be payable
          to  the  persons  in  whose  names  the  New  Junior Subordinated
          Debentures  are registered  at  the  close  of  business  on  the
          relevant regular record dates, which will be one Business Day (as
          hereinafter defined) prior to the relevant payment dates,  except
          that  if the  New  Junior Subordinated  Debentures are  no longer
          represented  by a global  debenture, the regular  record date for
          such interest installment shall be the close of business on March
          15, June 15, September  15 or December 15 (regardless  of whether
          it  is a Business Day)  next preceding an  interest payment date.
          Interest payable on redemption or maturity will be payable to the
          person to  whom the principal is paid.  Interest will be computed
          on the basis of a  360-day year of twelve 30-day months.   In the
          event  that any  date on  which interest  is payable  on the  New
          Junior Subordinated  Debentures  is  not  a  Business  Day,  then
          payment of  the interest payable on such date will be made on the
          next  succeeding day  which is  a Business  Day (and  without any
          interest or other payment  in respect of any such  delay), except
          that, if such  Business Day  is in the  next succeeding  calendar
          year, such  payment shall  be made  on the immediately  preceding
          Business Day, in  each case with the same force  and effect as if
          made  on such date.   A "Business  Day" shall mean  any day other
          than  a day  on  which banking  institutions  in the  Borough  of
          Manhattan,  the  City and  State of  New  York are  authorized or
          obligated by law to close.

          Redemption

               The New Junior Subordinated Debentures will be redeemable at
          the option of the Company, in whole or in part, at any time on or
          after September  __, 2001, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60
          days' notice,  at 100% of the principal  amount redeemed together
          with accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date.

          Option to Extend Interest Payment Period

               The Company shall have the right at any time during the term
          of  the New Junior Subordinated  Debentures from time  to time to
          extend the interest payment period of the New Junior Subordinated
          Debentures for  up to  20  consecutive quarters  (the  "Extension
          Period"),  at the end of which Extension Period the Company shall
          pay all  interest  accrued  and  unpaid  thereon  (together  with
          interest thereon  compounded quarterly at the  rate specified for
          the New Junior Subordinated Debentures to the extent permitted by
          applicable law); provided that during any such Extension  Period,
          the  Company shall  not  declare  or  pay  any  dividend  on,  or
          purchase, acquire or  make a liquidation payment with respect to,
          any  of its  capital stock  or make  any guarantee  payments with
          respect to the  foregoing.  Prior to the termination  of any such
          Extension  Period, the  Company may  further extend  the interest
          payment period, provided that such Extension Period together with
          all such previous and further  extensions thereof, may not exceed
          20  consecutive quarters or extend beyond the maturity of the New
          Junior Subordinated  Debentures.   Upon  the termination  of  any
          Extension  Period  and the  payment  of  all  accrued and  unpaid
          interest then due, the Company may select a new Extension Period,
          subject to the above requirements.  No interest shall be due  and
          payable  during an Extension  Period, except at  the end thereof.
          The Company shall give the holders of the New Junior Subordinated
          Debentures notice  of its selection  of such Extension  Period at
          least  ten Business Days  prior to  the earlier  of (i)  the next
          interest payment date or (ii) the date the Company is required to
          give notice to holders of the New Junior  Subordinated Debentures
          (or,  if  applicable, to  the New  York  Stock Exchange  or other
          applicable self-regulatory organization) of the record or payment
          date of such interest payment, but in any event not less than two
          Business Days prior to such record date.

          Subordination

               The  Indenture provides  that payment  of the  principal of,
          premium, if  any, and interest on  Junior Subordinated Debentures
          is  subordinated and  subject in  right of  payment to  the prior
          payment  in full of all Senior Indebtedness (as defined below) of
          the  Company as  provided  in  the  Indenture.    No  payment  of
          principal of (including  redemption and  sinking fund  payments),
          premium, if  any, or interest on,  Junior Subordinated Debentures
          may be made  if payment  of principal, premium,  interest or  any
          other  payment on any Senior  Indebtedness is not  made when due,
          any applicable  grace period  with  respect to  such default  has
          ended and such default has not  been cured or waived or ceased to
          exist, or if  the maturity  of any Senior  Indebtedness has  been
          accelerated  because  of a  default.   Upon  any  distribution of
          assets of the Company to creditors upon any  dissolution, winding
          up,  liquidation   or   reorganization,  whether   voluntary   or
          involuntary or  in bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership  or other
          proceedings, all principal of, premium,  if any, and interest due
          or to become due on, all Senior Indebtedness must be paid in full
          before  any payment  is made  on Junior  Subordinated Debentures.
          Subject  to the payment in  full of all  Senior Indebtedness, the
          rights of the  holders of Junior Subordinated  Debentures will be
          subrogated to the rights of the holders of Senior Indebtedness to
          receive   payments   or   distributions  applicable   to   Senior
          Indebtedness  until  all  amounts  owing  on  Junior Subordinated
          Debentures are paid in full.  (Sections 14.01 to 14.04).

               The term "Senior Indebtedness" shall mean the principal  of,
          premium, if any, interest  on and any other payment  due pursuant
          to  any  of the  following, whether  outstanding  at the  date of
          execution  of the  Indenture or  thereafter incurred,  created or
          assumed:

                    (a)  all  indebtedness  of  the  Company  evidenced  by
               notes,  debentures, bonds  or other  securities sold  by the
               Company for money or other obligations for money borrowed;

                    (b)  all indebtedness of others  of the kinds described
               in  the preceding clause (a) assumed by or guaranteed in any
               manner  by  the  Company  or in  effect  guaranteed  by  the
               Company;

                    (c)  all installment purchase  agreements entered  into
               by the Company in connection with revenue bonds issued by an
               agency or  political subdivision  of a  state of  the United
               States of America; and

                    (d)  all   renewals,   extensions   or  refundings   of
               indebtedness  of  the  kinds  described  in  either  of  the
               preceding clauses (a), (b) and (c);

          unless, in  the case  of  any particular  indebtedness,  renewal,
          extension or refunding, the instrument creating or evidencing the
          same  or  the  assumption  or guarantee  of  the  same  expressly
          provides  that such indebtedness, renewal, extension or refunding
          is  not superior  in right of  payment to  or is  pari passu with
          Junior Subordinated Debentures.   Such Senior Indebtedness  shall
          continue to be  Senior Indebtedness and entitled  to the benefits
          of the  subordination provisions  irrespective of  any amendment,
          modification  or waiver of any term  of such Senior Indebtedness.
          (Sections 1.01 and 14.08).

               The Indenture does not limit the  aggregate amount of Senior
          Indebtedness that may  be issued.   As of June  30, 1996,  Senior
          Indebtedness    of    the   Company    aggregated   approximately
          $1,400,000,000.

          Covenant of the Company

               The  Company will  not declare  or pay  any dividend  on, or
          purchase, acquire  or make a distribution  or liquidation payment
          with  respect to, any of its capital  stock or make any guarantee
          payments with  respect thereto, if at  such time (i) an  Event of
          Default under  the Indenture  has occurred and  is continuing  or
          (ii)  the Company  has  given  notice  of  its  selection  of  an
          Extension Period  and such period,  or any extension  thereof, is
          continuing.

          Form, Exchange, Registration and Transfer

               The New  Junior  Subordinated Debentures  initially will  be
          issued in registered  form and  will be represented  by a  global
          debenture (the "Global Debenture").  See "Book-Entry  Debentures"
          herein.  If not represented by one or more global debentures, New
          Junior  Subordinated Debentures may be presented for registration
          of transfer  (with  the form  of transfer  endorsed thereon  duly
          executed) or exchange, at the office of the Debenture  Registrar,
          without  service charge and upon  payment of any  taxes and other
          governmental  charges  as  described  in  the  Indenture.    Such
          transfer or exchange  will be  effected upon the  Company or  the
          Debenture Registrar  being satisfied with the  documents of title
          and identity of  the person making the request.   The Company has
          appointed the Trustee  as Debenture Registrar with respect to New
          Junior Subordinated Debentures.  (Section 2.05).

               The Company shall not be required to (i) issue, register the
          transfer  of or  exchange any  New Junior  Subordinated Debenture
          during  a period  beginning at  the opening  of business  15 days
          before  the day of the mailing of  a notice of redemption of less
          than all  the outstanding New Junior  Subordinated Debentures and
          ending  at the close  of business on  the day of  such mailing or
          (ii)  register  the  transfer  of  or  exchange  any  New  Junior
          Subordinated   Debentures   or   portions  thereof   called   for
          redemption.  (Section 2.05).

          Payment and Paying Agents

               Payment  of principal  of and  premium (if  any) on  any New
          Junior Subordinated Debenture will be made only against surrender
          to  the Paying Agent  of such New  Junior Subordinated Debenture.
          Principal  of  and   any  premium  and  interest  on  New  Junior
          Subordinated Debentures  will be  payable at  the office  of such
          Paying Agent or Paying  Agents as the Company may  designate from
          time to time, except that at the option of the Company payment of
          any interest  may be made by  check mailed to the  address of the
          person  entitled thereto  as  such address  shall  appear in  the
          Debenture Register  with respect to such  New Junior Subordinated
          Debentures.    See  "Principal  Amount,  Interest  and  Maturity"
          herein.

               The Trustee will  act as  Paying Agent with  respect to  New
          Junior  Subordinated Debentures.    The Company  may at  any time
          designate additional Paying Agents or rescind the designation  of
          any Paying Agents or approve a change in the office through which
          any Paying Agent acts.  (Sections 4.02 and 4.03).

               All moneys  paid by the  Company to a  Paying Agent  for the
          payment of the principal  of or premium  or interest, if any,  on
          any New Junior  Subordinated Debenture that  remain unclaimed  at
          the end of two  years after such principal,  premium, if any,  or
          interest shall have become due and payable, subject to applicable
          law,  will be repaid  to the Company  and the holder  of such New
          Junior Subordinated Debenture  will thereafter look  only to  the
          Company for payment thereof. (Section 11.04).

          Book-Entry Debentures

               Except  under  the  circumstances described  below,  the New
          Junior Subordinated Debentures will be issued in whole or in part
          in the form of a Global Debenture that will be deposited with, or
          on  behalf of, The Depository  Trust Company, New  York, New York
          ("DTC"),  or  such  other  depository  as  may  be   subsequently
          designated (the  "Depository"), and registered  in the name  of a
          nominee of the Depository.

               Book-Entry Debentures represented by a Global Debenture will
          not be exchangeable for Certificated Debentures and, except under
          the circumstances described below, will not otherwise be issuable
          as Certificated Debentures.

               So long as the Depository, or its nominee, is the registered
          owner  of a Global Debenture, such Depository or such nominee, as
          the  case may  be,  will  be considered  the  sole  owner of  the
          individual  Book-Entry  Debentures  represented  by  such  Global
          Debenture for  all purposes  under  the Indenture.   Payments  of
          principal  of and premium, if any, and any interest on individual
          Book-Entry Debentures  represented by a Global  Debenture will be
          made to the Depository or its nominee, as the case may be, as the
          Owner of  such  Global Debenture.   Except  as set  forth  below,
          owners  of beneficial interests in a Global Debenture will not be
          entitled to  have any  of  the individual  Book-Entry  Debentures
          represented by  such Global Debenture registered  in their names,
          will not receive or  be entitled to receive physical  delivery of
          any  such Book-Entry  Debentures and  will not be  considered the
          Owners   thereof   under   the   Indenture,   including,  without
          limitation, for  purposes of consenting to  any amendment thereof
          or supplement thereto.

               If  the Depository  is at  any time  unwilling or  unable to
          continue  as  depository  and  a  successor  depository  is   not
          appointed,   the  Company  will   issue  individual  Certificated
          Debentures in exchange for the Global Debenture representing  the
          corresponding  Book-Entry Debentures.   In addition,  the Company
          may at  any time and in its sole discretion determine not to have
          any New Junior Subordinated Debentures represented by the  Global
          Debenture and, in such event, will issue individual  Certificated
          Debentures in exchange for the Global Debenture representing  the
          corresponding Book-Entry  Debentures.  In  any such  instance, an
          owner of a Book-Entry Debenture represented by a Global Debenture
          will be entitled to physical delivery of individual  Certificated
          Debentures equal in principal amount to such Book-Entry Debenture
          and to have such Certificated Debentures registered in his or her
          name.   Individual  Certificated  Debentures so  issued  will  be
          issued as  registered  Debentures  in  denomination  of  $25  and
          integral multiples thereof.

               DTC has confirmed  to the Company  and the Underwriters  the
          following information:

                    1.   DTC  will act  as  securities  depository for  the
               Global Debenture.   The New  Junior Subordinated  Debentures
               will be issued as  fully-registered securities registered in
               the name of  Cede &  Co. (DTC's partnership  nominee).   One
               fully-registered  Global  Debenture will  be issued  for the
               series  of   New  Junior  Subordinated  Debentures,  in  the
               aggregate  principal  amount of  such  series,  and will  be
               deposited with DTC.

                    2.   DTC is a  limited-purpose trust company  organized
               under  the New  York Banking  Law, a  "banking organization"
               within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a  member of
               the Federal  Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within
               the meaning of the  New York Uniform Commercial Code,  and a
               "clearing agency"  registered pursuant to the  provisions of
               Section 17A of the 1934 Act.   DTC holds securities that its
               participants ("Participants")  deposit with  DTC.   DTC also
               facilitates the settlement among Participants  of securities
               transactions, such as  transfers and  pledges, in  deposited
               securities   through   electronic  computerized   book-entry
               changes  in Participants' accounts,  thereby eliminating the
               need  for  physical  movement  of  securities  certificates.
               Direct Participants include  securities brokers and dealers,
               banks,  trust companies, clearing  corporations, and certain
               other organizations.  DTC is owned by a number of its Direct
               Participants  and by the New York  Stock Exchange, Inc., the
               American Stock  Exchange, Inc., and the National Association
               of Securities Dealers,  Inc.   Access to the  DTC system  is
               also available  to others  such  as securities  brokers  and
               dealers, banks, and  trust companies that  clear through  or
               maintain a custodial relationship with a Direct Participant,
               either  directly  or  indirectly ("Indirect  Participants").
               The Rules applicable to DTC and its Participants are on file
               with the SEC.

                    3.   Purchases  of  New Junior  Subordinated Debentures
               under  the  DTC system  must be  made  by or  through Direct
               Participants, which will receive a credit for the New Junior
               Subordinated Debentures  on DTC's  records.   The  ownership
               interest  of  each  actual  purchaser  of  each  New  Junior
               Subordinated Debenture ("Beneficial Owner") is in turn to be
               recorded  on the Direct  and Indirect Participants' records.
               Beneficial Owners will not receive written confirmation from
               DTC of their purchase, but Beneficial Owners are expected to
               receive  written  confirmations  providing  details  of  the
               transaction,  as  well  as   periodic  statements  of  their
               holdings,  from the  Direct or Indirect  Participant through
               which  the  Beneficial Owner  entered into  the transaction.
               Transfers  of   ownership  interests   in  the  New   Junior
               Subordinated  Debentures are to  be accomplished  by entries
               made  on  the  books  of Participants  acting  on  behalf of
               Beneficial  Owners.    Beneficial  Owners  will  not receive
               certificates representing  their ownership interests  in New
               Junior Subordinated Debentures, except in the event that use
               of  the book-entry  system for  the New  Junior Subordinated
               Debentures is discontinued.

                    4.   To facilitate subsequent transfers, all New Junior
               Subordinated Debentures  deposited by Participants  with DTC
               are  registered in  the name  of DTC's  partnership nominee,
               Cede  &  Co.    The  deposit  of  New  Junior   Subordinated
               Debentures with  DTC and their  registration in the  name of
               Cede  & Co. effect no  change in beneficial  ownership.  DTC
               has  no knowledge of the actual Beneficial Owners of the New
               Junior Subordinated  Debentures; DTC's records  reflect only
               the identity of  the Direct Participants  to whose  accounts
               such New Junior Subordinated  Debentures are credited, which
               may or may not  be the Beneficial Owners.   The Participants
               will  remain  responsible  for  keeping   account  of  their
               holdings on behalf of their customers.

                    5.   Conveyance of notices and other  communications by
               DTC  to  Direct  Participants,  by  Direct  Participants  to
               Indirect  Participants,  and   by  Direct  Participants  and
               Indirect  Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed
               by arrangements  among them,  subject  to any  statutory  or
               regulatory requirements  as may  be in  effect from  time to
               time.

                    6.   Redemption notices shall be sent to Cede & Co.  If
               less than all of the  New Junior Subordinated Debentures are
               being redeemed, DTC's  practice is to  determine by lot  the
               amount of  the interest of  each Direct Participant  in such
               issue to be redeemed.

                    7.   Neither DTC  nor Cede &  Co. will consent  or vote
               with  respect to  the  New Junior  Subordinated  Debentures.
               Under its usual  procedures, DTC mails  an Omnibus Proxy  to
               the Company as soon as possible  after the record date.  The
               Omnibus Proxy  assigns Cede  &  Co.'s consenting  or  voting
               rights to those  Direct Participants to  whose accounts  the
               New  Junior  Subordinated  Debentures  are  credited on  the
               record date (identified in a listing attached to the Omnibus
               Proxy).

                    8.   Principal  and interest payments on the New Junior
               Subordinated Debentures will be made to DTC.  DTC's practice
               is to  credit Direct Participants'  accounts on the  date on
               which   interest  is  payable   in  accordance   with  their
               respective holdings shown  on DTC's records  unless DTC  has
               reason to believe that  it will not receive payment  on such
               date.  Payments by Participants to Beneficial Owners will be
               governed by standing  instructions and customary  practices,
               as  is the  case with  securities held  for the  accounts of
               customers in bearer form or registered in "street name", and
               will be the  responsibility of such  Participant and not  of
               DTC,  the  Underwriters  or  the  Company,  subject  to  any
               statutory  or regulatory  requirements as  may be  in effect
               from time to time.  Payment of principal and interest to DTC
               is  the  responsibility  of  the  Company  or  the  Trustee,
               disbursement of such  payments to Direct  Participants shall
               be  the  responsibility of  DTC,  and  disbursement of  such
               payments   to   the   Beneficial   Owners   shall   be   the
               responsibility of Direct and Indirect Participants.

                    9.   DTC  may  discontinue  providing its  services  as
               securities  depository  with  respect   to  the  New  Junior
               Subordinated Debentures  at any  time  by giving  reasonable
               notice  to   the  Company  and  the  Trustee.    Under  such
               circumstances,  in  the  event that  a  successor securities
               depository  is not  obtained,  Certificated  Debentures  are
               required to be printed and delivered.

                    10.  The Company  may decide to discontinue  use of the
               system of  book-entry transfers through DTC  (or a successor
               securities   depository).    In   that  event,  Certificated
               Debentures will be printed and delivered.

               The  information in  this section  concerning DTC  and DTC's
          book-entry system has been obtained from sources that the Company
          believes to be reliable, but the Company takes  no responsibility
          for the accuracy thereof.

               None of the Company, the Trustee or any agent for payment on
          or registration of transfer or  exchange of any Global  Debenture
          will have any responsibility  or liability for any aspect  of the
          records  relating to  or payments  made on account  of beneficial
          interests   in  such   Global  Debenture   or  for   maintaining,
          supervising or reviewing any records relating to such  beneficial
          interests.

          Modification of the Indenture

               The Indenture contains provisions permitting the Company and
          the  Trustee, with the consent of the  holders of not less than a
          majority in principal amount of Junior Subordinated Debentures of
          each  series that are affected by the modification, to modify the
          Indenture or any supplemental indenture affecting that series  or
          the rights of the  holders of that series of  Junior Subordinated
          Debentures; provided, that no such modification may, without  the
          consent  of the  holder of  each outstanding  Junior Subordinated
          Debenture affected thereby, (i) extend  the fixed maturity of any
          Junior  Subordinated  Debentures of  any  series,  or reduce  the
          principal amount thereof, or  reduce the rate or extend  the time
          of  payment of  interest thereon,  or reduce any  premium payable
          upon  the redemption  thereof or  (ii) reduce  the percentage  of
          Junior Subordinated Debentures, the holders of which are required
          to consent to any such supplemental indenture.  (Section 9.02).

               In addition,  the  Company  and  the  Trustee  may  execute,
          without  the  consent  of  any  holder  of  Junior   Subordinated
          Debentures, any supplemental  indenture for  certain other  usual
          purposes  including  the creation  of  any new  series  of Junior
          Subordinated Debentures.  (Sections 2.01, 9.01 and 10.01).

          Events of Default

               The Indenture provides that any one or more of the following
          described  events,  which   has  occurred   and  is   continuing,
          constitutes  an "Event of Default" with respect to each series of
          Junior Subordinated Debentures:

                    (a)  failure for  10 days  to  pay interest  on  Junior
               Subordinated Debentures  of that  series when  due; provided
               that a valid extension of the interest payment period by the
               Company  shall not  constitute a  default in the  payment of
               interest for this purpose; or

                    (b)  failure to pay  principal or premium,  if any,  on
               Junior  Subordinated  Debentures  of  that  series  when due
               whether  at maturity,  upon  redemption,  by declaration  or
               otherwise, or  to make  payment required  by any  sinking or
               analogous fund with respect to that series; or

                    (c)  failure by  the Company to observe  or perform any
               other covenant  (other than  those specifically  relating to
               another series) contained in the Indenture for 90 days after
               written notice  to  the  Company  from the  Trustee  or  the
               holders   of  at  least  25%  in  principal  amount  of  the
               outstanding Junior Subordinated  Debentures of that  series;
               or

                    (d)  certain events involving bankruptcy, insolvency or
               reorganization of the Company.  (Section 6.01).

               The Trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate
          outstanding principal  amount of any particular  series of Junior
          Subordinated Debentures may declare the principal due and payable
          immediately upon an Event of Default with respect to such series,
          but the holders of a  majority in aggregate outstanding principal
          amount  of such series may  annul such declaration  and waive the
          default with respect to such series if the default has been cured
          and  a sum sufficient to pay all matured installments of interest
          and principal otherwise than by  acceleration and any premium has
          been deposited with the Trustee.  (Sections 6.01 and 6.06).

               The holders of a majority in aggregate outstanding principal
          amount  of any series of  Junior Subordinated Debentures have the
          right  to direct  the time,  method and  place of  conducting any
          proceeding for  any  remedy available  to  the Trustee  for  that
          series.   (Section  6.06).   Subject  to  the provisions  of  the
          Indenture relating  to the duties of the Trustee in case an Event
          of Default shall  occur and  be continuing, the  Trustee will  be
          under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under
          the Indenture at the request  or direction of any of the  holders
          of the Junior Subordinated Debentures, unless such holders  shall
          have  offered  to  the  Trustee  indemnity  satisfactory  to  it.
          (Section 7.02). 

               The holders of a majority in aggregate outstanding principal
          amount of  any series of Junior  Subordinated Debentures affected
          thereby  may, on behalf of the holders of all Junior Subordinated
          Debentures  of  such series,  waive  any past  default,  except a
          default in the payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest
          when due otherwise than by  acceleration (unless such default has
          been cured and a  sum sufficient to pay all  matured installments
          of interest and principal otherwise than by acceleration  and any
          premium  has been  deposited  with the  Trustee)  or a  call  for
          redemption  of Junior  Subordinated  Debentures  of such  series.
          (Section  6.06).  The Company  is required to  file annually with
          the Trustee  a certificate as to whether or not the Company is in
          compliance with  all  the  conditions  and  covenants  under  the
          Indenture.  (Section 5.03(d)).

          Consolidation, Merger and Sale

               The Indenture  does not contain any  covenant that restricts
          the  Company's ability to merge  or consolidate with  or into any
          other corporation, sell or convey all or substantially all of its
          assets  to any person, firm or corporation or otherwise engage in
          restructuring   transactions,   provided   that   the   successor
          corporation assumes  due and  punctual  payment of  principal  or
          premium,  if  any,  and  interest  on  the  Junior   Subordinated
          Debentures.  (Section 10.01).

          Defeasance and Discharge

               Under  the  terms of  the  Indenture,  the Company  will  be
          discharged from any  and all  obligations in respect  of the  New
          Junior Subordinated  Debentures (except in each  case for certain
          obligations to  register the transfer  or exchange of  New Junior
          Subordinated Debentures,  replace stolen,  lost or  mutilated New
          Junior Subordinated Debentures, maintain paying agencies and hold
          moneys for payment  in trust)  if the Company  deposits with  the
          Trustee, in trust, moneys or Governmental Obligations (as defined
          in  the  Indenture), or  a  combination  thereof,  in  an  amount
          sufficient  to pay  all the  principal of,  and interest  on, New
          Junior Subordinated Debentures of such  series on the dates  such
          payments  are due in accordance with the  terms of the New Junior
          Subordinated Debentures.  Such defeasance or discharge may  occur
          only if, among  other things,  the Company has  delivered to  the
          Trustee an  Opinion of Counsel to the  effect that the holders of
          the New  Junior Subordinated Debentures will  not recognize gain,
          loss or income for federal income tax purposes as a result of the
          satisfaction and discharge  of the Indenture with respect to such
          series  and  such  holders  will be  subject  to  federal  income
          taxation on  the same amounts and  in the same manner  and at the
          same  times  as  if  such  satisfaction  and  discharge  had  not
          occurred.  (Section 11.01).

          Governing Law

               The Indenture and New Junior Subordinated Debentures will be
          governed  by, and construed in  accordance with, the  laws of the
          State of New York. (Section 13.05).

          Concerning the Trustee

               AEP System companies, including the Company, utilize or  may
          utilize  some  of  the  banking  services offered  by  The  First
          National   Bank  of  Chicago  in  the   normal  course  of  their
          businesses.   Among such  services are the  making of  short-term
          loans,  generally  at  rates  related  to  the  prime  commercial
          interest rate.

                CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

               The  following  summary  describes  certain   United  States
          federal income tax  consequences of the  ownership of New  Junior
          Subordinated Debentures as of the date hereof and  represents the
          opinion  of Simpson Thacher  & Bartlett, counsel  to the Company,
          insofar as it  relates to  matters of law  or legal  conclusions.
          Except where  noted, it deals  only with New  Junior Subordinated
          Debentures held  by initial  purchasers  who have  purchased  New
          Junior  Subordinated  Debentures  at the  initial  offering price
          thereof and who hold  such New Junior Subordinated Debentures  as
          capital assets and does not deal with special situations, such as
          those  of   dealers  in  securities   or  currencies,   financial
          institutions,  life  insurance  companies,  persons  holding  New
          Junior  Subordinated  Debentures  as  a  part  of  a  hedging  or
          conversion transaction  or a straddle, United  States Holders (as
          defined below)  whose  "functional  currency"  is  not  the  U.S.
          dollar, or Non-United States Holders  (as defined below) who  own
          (actually or constructively) ten percent or more of the  combined
          voting power  of all classes of voting  stock of the Company, who
          are  present in the United  States or who  have any other special
          status  with  respect to  the  United States.    Furthermore, the
          discussion below  is based upon  the provisions  of the  Internal
          Revenue  Code of 1986,  as amended (the  "Code") and regulations,
          rulings and judicial  decisions thereunder as of the date hereof,
          and such authorities may  be repealed, revoked or modified  so as
          to result in federal income tax consequences different from those
          discussed below.  Persons considering the purchase, ownership  or
          disposition  of New Junior Subordinated Debentures should consult
          their  own  tax  advisors  concerning  the  federal  income   tax
          consequences in light of  their particular situations as  well as
          any  consequences arising  under  the laws  of  any other  taxing
          jurisdiction.  

          United States Holders

               As used herein,  a "United  States Holder" of  a New  Junior
          Subordinated  Debenture  means  a holder  that  is  a  citizen or
          resident of  the United  States,  a corporation,  partnership  or
          other entity  created or organized  in or  under the laws  of the
          United States or any political subdivision thereof, or  an estate
          or trust the income of which is subject to United  States federal
          income taxation regardless of  its source.  A  "Non-United States
          Holder" is a holder that is not a United States Holder.

          Payments of Interest

               Except as set forth  below, stated interest on a  New Junior
          Subordinated Debenture  will generally  be  taxable to  a  United
          States Holder  as  ordinary income  at  the time  it  is paid  or
          accrued in accordance  with the United States  Holder's method of
          accounting for tax purposes.

          Original Issue Discount, Market Discount and Acquisition Premium

               Under income tax regulations that recently became effective,
          the Company believes that the New Junior Subordinated  Debentures
          will  not be  treated  as  issued  with original  issue  discount
          ("OID"). It should be  noted that these regulations have  not yet
          been addressed  in any  rulings or  other interpretations  by the
          Internal Revenue Service  ("IRS").  Accordingly,  it is  possible
          that the IRS could take a position contrary to the interpretation
          described above.

               Under the  terms of the New  Junior Subordinated Debentures,
          the Company has the option to defer payments of interest  for the
          Extension Period  and to  pay as a  lump sum at  the end  of such
          period all of the  interest that has accrued during  such period.
          See "Description of New Junior Subordinated Debentures--Option to
          Extend  Interest Payment  Period".   Should the  Company exercise
          this  option to  extend  the interest  payment  periods, the  New
          Junior Subordinated Debentures  would at that time be  treated as
          issued with OID and all  the stated interest payments on  the New
          Junior Subordinated Debentures would thereafter be treated as OID
          as long as they remained outstanding.  As a result, United States
          Holders would,  in effect, be required to  accrue interest income
          even if the  holders are on  the cash method  of tax  accounting.
          Consequently, in  the event that  the interest payment  period is
          extended, a United States Holder would be required to include OID
          in  income on an economic accrual  basis notwithstanding that the
          Company will not make any interest payments during such period on
          the New Junior Subordinated Debentures.

               United  States  Holders  other  than  initial  United States
          Holders  may  be   deemed  to  have   acquired  the  New   Junior
          Subordinated  Debentures  with  market  discount  or  acquisition
          premium.   Such  holders should  consult their  own tax  advisors
          concerning the effect of the market discount and premium rules on
          their holding of the New Junior Subordinated Debentures.

          Sale,  Exchange   and  Retirement  of   New  Junior  Subordinated
          Debentures

               Upon  the sale,  exchange  or  retirement  of a  New  Junior
          Subordinated  Debenture, a  United States  Holder  will recognize
          gain  or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized
          upon  the sale, exchange or retirement and the adjusted tax basis
          of the  New  Junior  Subordinated  Debenture.   A  United  States
          Holder's tax basis  in a New Junior Subordinated  Debenture will,
          in  general,  be  the  United  States  Holder's  cost   therefor,
          increased  by any OID previously included in income by the United
          States  Holder and reduced by any cash payments on the New Junior
          Subordinated Debenture.  Such  gain or loss will be  capital gain
          or loss and will be long-term capital gain or loss if at the time
          of  sale,  exchange or  retirement  the  New Junior  Subordinated
          Debenture has  been held for  more than one year.   Under current
          law,  net  capital  gains  of  individuals  are,  under   certain
          circumstances, taxed  at  lower  rates  than  items  of  ordinary
          income.    The  deductibility of  capital  losses  is subject  to
          limitations.

          Non-United States Holders

               Under present United  States federal income  and estate  tax
          law, and  subject  to  the  discussion  below  concerning  backup
          withholding:

                    (a)  no withholding of United States federal income tax
               will  be required with respect to the payment by the Company
               or  any Paying  Agent of  principal  or interest  (which for
               purposes of this  discussion includes OID)  on a New  Junior
               Subordinated  Debenture owned by a Non-United States Holder,
               provided (i)  the  beneficial  owner  is  not  a  controlled
               foreign corporation  that is related to  the Company through
               stock  ownership, (ii)  the beneficial  owner is not  a bank
               whose  receipt  of interest  on  a  New Junior  Subordinated
               Debenture is  described in section 881(c)(3)(A)  of the Code
               and  (iii) either (y) the beneficial  owner certifies to the
               Company or its  agent, under the penalties of  perjury, that
               it is not a U.  S. person, citizen or resident  and provides
               its name and address or  (z) a financial institution holding
               the New  Junior Subordinated  Debentures  on behalf  of  the
               beneficial owner certifies, under penalties of perjury, that
               such  statement has  been received  by it and  furnishes the
               Company or its agent with a copy thereof;

                    (b)  no withholding of United States federal income tax
               will be required with respect to any gain or income realized
               by a  Non-United States  Holder upon  the sale, exchange  or
               retirement of a New Junior Subordinated Debenture; and

                    (c)  a New Junior  Subordinated Debenture  beneficially
               owned by  an individual who at  the time of death  is a Non-
               United States  Holder will not  be subject to  United States
               federal estate tax as  a result of such  individual's death,
               provided  that the  interest payments  with respect  to such
               debenture  would not have been,  if received at  the time of
               such  individual's death,  effectively  connected  with  the
               conduct of a  trade or  business by such  individual in  the
               United States.

          Backup Withholding and Information Reporting

               In general, information reporting requirements will apply to
          certain  payments of  principal,  interest and  OID  paid on  New
          Junior Subordinated Debentures and  to the proceeds of sale  of a
          New Junior  Subordinated Debenture made to  United States Holders
          other  than certain exempt recipients (such  as corporations).  A
          31  percent backup withholding tax will apply to such payments if
          the  United   States  Holder   fails   to  provide   a   taxpayer
          identification number or certification of foreign or other exempt
          status or fails to report in full dividend and interest income.

               No  information  reporting  or backup  withholding  will  be
          required  with respect  to payments  made by  the Company  or any
          paying  agent  to  Non-United  States  Holders  if  a   statement
          described in (a)(iii) under "Non-United States Holders" has  been
          received  and the payor does  not have actual  knowledge that the
          beneficial owner is a United States person.

               Payments of  the  proceeds from  the  sale by  a  Non-United
          States Holder of a  New Junior Subordinated Debenture made  to or
          through  a  foreign office  of a  broker will  not be  subject to
          information reporting  or backup withholding, except  that if the
          broker  is,  for federal  income  tax purposes,  a  United States
          person, a controlled foreign corporation or a foreign person that
          derives  50 percent  or  more of  its  gross income  for  certain
          periods from  the conduct of  a trade  or business in  the United
          States, such payments  will not be subject  to backup withholding
          but  may  be  subject  to  information  reporting.   Payments  of
          proceeds  from the sale of a New Junior Subordinated Debenture to
          or through  the United  States office of  a broker is  subject to
          information  reporting and  backup  withholding  unless the  Non-
          United  States Holder or the beneficial owner certifies as to its
          non-United States status or otherwise establishes an exemption.

               Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules will
          be allowed  as a refund or  a credit against such  holder's U. S.
          federal income tax liability provided the required information is
          furnished to the IRS.

                                    LEGAL OPINIONS

               Opinions  with  respect  to  the  legality  of  New   Junior
          Subordinated  Debentures will  be rendered  by Simpson  Thacher &
          Bartlett    (a    partnership    which   includes    professional
          corporations), 425  Lexington Avenue, New  York, New York,  and 1
          Riverside Plaza, Columbus, Ohio, counsel for the  Company, and by
          Dewey Ballantine, 1301  Avenue of  the Americas,   New York,  New
          York, counsel for the Underwriters.  Additional legal opinions in
          connection  with  the offering  of  the  New Junior  Subordinated
          Debentures may be given by John M. Adams, Jr. or  David C. House,
          counsel for the Company.  Mr. Adams is Assistant General Counsel,
          and Mr. House is an Attorney, in the Legal Department of American
          Electric Power Service Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary  of
          AEP.  From  time to  time, Dewey  Ballantine acts  as counsel  to
          affiliates of the Company in connection with certain matters.

               Statements as to  United States taxation  in the  Prospectus
          under the  caption, "Certain  United  States Federal  Income  Tax
          Consequences" have been  passed upon for  the Company by  Simpson
          Thacher & Bartlett, counsel to the Company, and are stated herein
          on their authority.

                                       EXPERTS

               The financial  statements  and related  financial  statement
          schedule incorporated in  this prospectus by  reference from  the
          Company's  Annual  Report  on  Form 10-K  have  been  audited  by
          Deloitte &  Touche LLP,  independent auditors, as stated  in their
          reports,  which are  incorporated herein  by reference,  and have
          been  so incorporated in reliance  upon the reports  of such firm
          given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

                                     UNDERWRITING

               Subject  to  the terms  and  conditions  set  forth  in  the
          Underwriting Agreement, the Company has agreed to sell to each of
          the Underwriters named  below ("Underwriters"), and  each of  the
          Underwriters has  severally agreed to purchase the  number of New
          Junior Subordinated Debentures set forth opposite its name below:

                                                                 Principal
                                                                 Amount of
                                                                New Junior
                                                               Subordinated
          Underwriters                                          Debentures 

          Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
                      Incorporated  . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $          
          Dean Witter Reynolds Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
          Lehman Brothers Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
          PaineWebber Incorporated  . . . . . . . . . . . . .
          Prudential Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

                      Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $75,000,000

               The  Underwriters are committed to  take and pay  for all of
          the  New Junior Subordinated Debentures,  if any are  taken.  The
          Underwriting Agreement provides that under  certain circumstances
          involving a default  of Underwriters,  less than all  of the  New
          Junior Subordinated Debentures may be purchased.

               The Company has  been advised by  the Underwriters that  the
          Underwriters   propose  initially   to  offer   the  New   Junior
          Subordinated Debentures  to the  public  at the  public  offering
          price set  forth on  the cover  page of  this Prospectus, and  to
          certain dealers at such price less  a concession not in excess of
          ______% of  the principal amount  of the New  Junior Subordinated
          Debentures.  The  Underwriters may  allow, and  such dealers  may
          reallow, a discount  not in  excess of ______%  of the  principal
          amount of the New Junior Subordinated Debentures to certain other
          dealers.  After  the initial public offering, the public offering
          price, concession and reallowance may be changed.

               The New Junior  Subordinated Debentures are  a new issue  of
          securities with no established trading market.  While the Company
          intends to list the New Junior Subordinated Debentures on the New
          York Stock Exchange,  there can  be no assurance  that an  active
          market for the New Junior Subordinated Debentures will develop or
          be sustained in the future on such Exchange.  Listing will depend
          upon satisfaction  of such  Exchange's listing  requirements with
          respect  to the New Junior Subordinated  Debentures.  The Company
          has been advised by  the Underwriters that they intend  to make a
          market in  the New  Junior Subordinated  Debentures, but are  not
          obligated to do so and may  discontinue market making at any time
          without notice.  No assurance can be given as to the liquidity of
          the trading market for the New Junior Subordinated Debentures.

               The  Underwriters, and certain affiliates thereof, engage in
          transactions with and  perform services for  the Company and  its
          affiliates in the ordinary course of business.

               The Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against
          certain  liabilities,  including  certain liabilities  under  the
          Securities Act of 1933.


                   PART II.  INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

          Item 14.  Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.*

          Securities and Exchange Commission Filing Fee . . . . .  $ 25,863
          Printing Registration Statement, Prospectus . . . . . .    25,000
          Printing and Engraving Debentures . . . . . . . . . . .    10,000
          Independent Auditors' fees  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    15,000
          Charges of Trustee (including counsel fees) . . . . . .     4,500
          Legal fees of Counsel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    45,000
          Rating Agency fees  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    50,000
          Miscellaneous expenses  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    20,000

               Total                                               $195,363

               *Estimated, except for filing fees.


          Item 15.  Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

               The Bylaws  of the Company  provide that  the Company  shall
          indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be
          made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit
          or  proceeding,  whether   civil,  criminal,  administrative,  or
          investigative and whether formal or informal because such  person
          is or was a director, officer or employee of the Company or is or
          was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer,
          partner,  trustee,  employee  or  agent of  another  corporation,
          partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other
          enterprise,   against   any   obligations   to   pay   judgments,
          settlements,  penalties,  fines  (including any  excise  tax)  or
          reasonable expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred by  such
          person  in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if (a)
          such  person conducted  him or  herself in  good faith,  (b) such
          person  believed in the case of conduct in such person's official
          capacity  with the Company (as  defined) that his  or her conduct
          was  in the  best interests  of the  Company, and,  in  all other
          cases, that  his or her conduct  was at least not  opposed to its
          best  interests,  (c) with  respect to  any   criminal  action or
          proceeding, such person had no reasonable cause to believe his or
          her  conduct was unlawful  and (d) such  person was  not  grossly
          negligent    or    guilty    of    willful    misconduct.    Such
          indemnification  in connection  with a  proceeding  by or  in the
          right  of the Company is  limited to reasonable expenses incurred
          in connection  with the  proceeding.   Any  such  indemnification
          (unless ordered  by a court) shall be made by the Company only as
          authorized  in  the  specific  case  upon  a  determination  that
          indemnification of the  director is proper  in the  circumstances
          because such person has met the applicable standard of conduct.

               Section  13.1-698  of the  Code  of  Virginia provides  that
          unless limited by  the articles of  incorporation, a  corporation
          shall  indemnify a director who  entirely prevails in the defense
          of  any action,  suit or  proceeding to which  such person  was a
          party because such person is or was a director of the corporation
          against  reasonable  expenses incurred  in  connection with  such
          action,  suit or  proceeding.   Section 13.1-699 provides  that a
          corporation may pay for or reimburse reasonable expenses incurred
          by a director who is  a party to such a proceeding in  advance of
          final  disposition  of  such  proceeding  if  (a)  the   director
          furnishes a written  statement of  his or her  good faith  belief
          that the standard of conduct described in the paragraph above has
          been met;  (b) the director  furnishes the corporation  a written
          undertaking by or on behalf of the director to repay  the advance
          if  it is ultimately determined that such person did not meet the
          standard of conduct;  and (c)  a determination is  made that  the
          facts  then known  to those  making the  determination would  not
          preclude indemnification.  Section 13.1-700.1 provides procedures
          which allow directors to apply to a court for  an order directing
          advances or indemnification.

               Section  13.1-702   provides  that  unless  limited  by  the
          articles of incorporation, (a) officers are entitled to mandatory
          indemnification  under Section  13.1-698 and  to apply  for court
          ordered  indemnification under  Section  13.1-700.1 to  the  same
          extent  as a director, and  (b) that a  corporation may indemnify
          and advance expenses to an officer, employee or agent to the same
          extent  as to  a director.   Section  13.1-704 provides  that any
          corporation shall have the power to make any further indemnity to
          any  director, officer, employee or  agent that may be authorized
          by  the  articles  of incorporation  or  any  bylaw  made by  the
          stockholders  or  any resolution  adopted,  before  or after  the
          event, by  the stockholders, except an  indemnity against willful
          misconduct or a knowing violation of criminal law.

               The  above is a general summary of certain provisions of the
          Company's Bylaws and the  Code of Virginia and is  subject in all
          respects to the specific and detailed provisions of the Company's
          Bylaws and the Code of Virginia.

               Reference  is made  to the  Underwriting Agreement  filed as
          Exhibit  1  hereto,  which  provides for  indemnification,  under
          certain circumstances,  of the Company, certain  of its directors
          and officers, and persons who control the Company.

               The   Company  maintains  insurance  policies  insuring  its
          directors and officers  against certain obligations  that may  be
          incurred by them.

          Item 16.  Exhibits.

               Reference is  made  to  the  information  contained  in  the
          Exhibit Index filed as part of this Registration Statement.

          Item 17.  Undertakings.

               The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

                    (1)  That,  for purposes of  determining any  liability
               under  the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the regis-
               trant's annual  report pursuant to section  13(a) or section
               15(d)  of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that is incor-
               porated by reference in this registration statement shall be
               deemed to be  a new registration  statement relating to  the
               New Junior Subordinated Debentures, and the offering thereof
               at that time  shall be  deemed to be  the initial bona  fide
               offering thereof.

               (2)  Insofar  as  indemnification  for  liabilities  arising
               under  the  Securities  Act  of  1933  may  be  permitted to
               directors,   officers  and   controlling   persons  of   the
               registrant  pursuant  to the  laws  of  the Commonwealth  of
               Virginia,  the  registrant's   bylaws,  or  otherwise,   the
               registrant has been advised  that in the opinion of  the SEC
               such indemnification is  against public policy  as expressed
               in said Act  and is, therefore, unenforceable.  In the event
               that a  claim for  indemnification against such  liabilities
               (other than  the  payment  by  the  registrant  of  expenses
               incurred  or  paid by  a  director,  officer or  controlling
               person of  the registrant in  the successful defense  of any
               action, suit or  proceeding) is asserted  by such  director,
               officer  or controlling  person in  connection with  the New
               Junior Subordinated Debentures,  the registrant will, unless
               in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by
               controlling precedent,  submit  to a  court  of  appropriate
               jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it
               is against public policy  as expressed in said Act  and will
               be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

               (3)  For  purposes  of determining  any liability  under the
               Securities  Act of  1933, the  information omitted  from the
               form of  prospectus  filed  as  part  of  this  registration
               statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form
               of  prospectus  filed by  the  registrant  pursuant to  Rule
               424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be
               deemed to be part  of this registration statement as  of the
               time it was declared effective.

               (4)  For the purpose of determining any liability under  the
               Securities Act  of 1933, each post-effective  amendment that
               contains  a form of  prospectus shall be deemed  to be a new
               registration  statement relating  to the  securities offered
               therein, and the  offering of such  securities at that  time
               shall  be  deemed  to  be  the  initial  bona fide  offering
               thereof.


                                      SIGNATURES

               Pursuant to  the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933,
          the registrant certifies that it  has reasonable cause to believe
          that it meets all of the requirements for filing on  Form S-3 and
          has duly caused this  registration statement to be signed  on its
          behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City
          of Columbus and State of Ohio, on the 3rd day of September, 1996.

                                       APPALACHIAN POWER COMPANY


                                       E. Linn Draper, Jr.*
                                       Chairman of the Board and
                                          Chief Executive Officer


               Pursuant to the requirements of  the Securities Act of 1933,
          this  registration  statement  has  been  signed  below  by   the
          following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.


                    Signature                 Title                  Date

          (i) Principal Executive 
                Officer              Chairman of the Board
                                     and Chief Executive
              E. Linn Draper, Jr.*         Officer        September 3, 1996

          (ii) Principal Financial
                 Officer:

               G. P. Maloney*          Vice President     September 3, 1996

          (iii) Principal Accounting 
                  Officer:

               P. J. DeMaria*          Controller         September 3, 1996

          (iv) A Majority of the 
                 Directors:

               P. J. DeMaria*
               E. Linn Draper, Jr.*
               H. W. Fayne*
               Wm. J. Lhota*
               G. P. Maloney
               James J. Markowsky*
               J. H. Vipperman*                           September 3, 1996

          *By_/s/ G. P. Maloney__
          (G. P. Maloney, Attorney-in-Fact)


                                    EXHIBIT INDEX

               Certain  of  the  following  exhibits,  designated  with  an
          asterisk (*), are filed herewith.  The exhibits not so designated
          have heretofore been filed with  the Commission and, pursuant  to
          17 C.F.R. Sections 201.24 and 230.411, are incorporated herein by
          reference  to the documents  indicated following the descriptions
          of such exhibits.

          Exhibit No.                    Description

          * 1       -    Copy  of proposed  form of  Underwriting Agreement
                         for the New Junior Subordinated Debentures.

          * 4(a)    -    Copy  of  form of  Indenture  to  be entered  into
                         between the Company and The First National Bank of
                         Chicago,  as  Trustee,  for   Junior  Subordinated
                         Debentures.

          * 4(b)    -    Copy  of form  of  Supplemental  Indenture  to  be
                         entered into  between  the Company  and The  First
                         National  Bank of  Chicago,  as  Trustee, for  New
                         Junior Subordinated Debentures.

          * 5       -    Opinion of  Simpson Thacher  & Bartlett as  to the
                         legality of New Junior Subordinated Debentures.

          * 8       -    Tax Opinion of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett.

           12       -    Statement  re:  Computation  of Ratios  [Quarterly
                         Report on Form 10-Q of  the Company for the period
                         ended June 30, 1996, File No. 1-3457, Exhibit 12].

          *23(a)    -    Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.

           23(b)    -    Consent of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett (included in
                         Exhibits 5 and 8).

          *24       -    Powers of Attorney and resolutions of the Board of
                         Directors of the Company.

          *25       -    Form T-1  re:  Eligibility of  The First  National
                         Bank of Chicago.