Exhibit 23(a)


CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation
by reference in this Registration Statement of Southwestern Electric Power
Company on Form S-3 of our report dated February 28, 1996 incorporated by 
reference in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Southwestern Electric Power
Company for the year ended December 31, 1995, and to the reference to us
under the headings "Selected Financial Information" and "Experts" in the
Prospectus, included in or made a part of this Registration Statement.



                                         /S/ Arthur Andersen LLP


February 4, 1997