Registration No. 333-

                 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                       WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

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

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

Indiana                                                               35-0410455
(State or other jurisdiction                                    (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization)                            Identification No.)


One Summit Square
Fort Wayne, Indiana                                                       46801
(Address of principal executive offices)                              (Zip Code)

     Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (219)425-2111

                     ARMANDO A. PENA, Treasurer
             AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER SERVICE CORPORATION
                          1 Riverside Plaza
                        Columbus, Ohio 43215
                           (614) 223-2850
           (Name, address and telephone number, including
                  area code, 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 LLP
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
Registration 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. [x]
      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 Unit*    Offering     Registration
  Registered     Registered                 Price*          Fee


   Unsecured
     Notes      $188,000,000     100%    $188,000,000     $55,460


*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.

      The within Prospectus contains the information required by Rule 429 of the
Commission  under the Securities Act of 1933 with respect to $12,000,000 of Debt
Securities of the registrant  remaining unsold under Registration  Statement No.
333-50521, declared effective October 8, 1993, for which a filing fee of $59,375
was paid.

     The information in this  prospectus is not complete and may be changed.  We
may not sell these securities  until the  registration  statement filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer
to sell these  securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities
in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

           SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED OCTOBER 2, 1998

                            PROSPECTUS

                           $200,000,000
                  INDIANA MICHIGAN POWER COMPANY
                          UNSECURED NOTES
                           TERMS OF SALE
The  following  terms  may  apply to the  notes  that we may sell at one or more
times.  A pricing  supplement  will include the final terms for each note. If we
decide to list  upon  issuance  any note or notes on a  securities  exchange,  a
pricing  supplement  will identify the exchange and state when we expect trading
could begin.

      - Mature 9 months to 50 years

      - Fixed or floating interest rate. The floating interest rate formula
        would be based on:
        Commercial paper rate       LIBOR
        Prime rate                  Treasury rate
        CD rate                     CMT rate
        Federal Funds rate          Another interest rate index

      - Remarketing features

      - Certificate or book-entry form

      - Subject to redemption

      - Not convertible, amortized or subject to a sinking fund

      - Interest paid on fixed rate notes quarterly or semi-annually

      - Interest paid on floating rate notes monthly, quarterly, semi-annually,
        or annually

      -  Issued in multiples of a minimum denomination

The notes have not been approved by the SEC or any state securities  commission,
nor have these  organizations  determined  that this  prospectus  is accurate or
complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

      The date of this prospectus is _________________, 1998.



                 WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

      This prospectus is part of a registration statement we filed with the SEC.
We also file annual,  quarterly and special reports and other  information  with
the  SEC.  You may  read  and copy  any  document  we file at the  SEC's  public
reference rooms in Washington,  D.C., New York, New York and Chicago,  Illinois.
Please  call the SEC at  1-800-SEC-0330  for further  information  on the public
reference rooms. You may also examine our SEC filings through the SEC's web site
at http://www.sec.gov.

      The SEC allows us to  "incorporate  by reference" the  information we file
with them,  which means that we can  disclose  important  information  to you by
referring you to those documents.  The information  incorporated by reference is
considered to be part of this  prospectus,  and later  information  that we file
with the SEC will  automatically  update  and  supersede  this  information.  We
incorporate by reference the documents  listed below and any future filings made
with the SEC  under  Sections  13(a),  13(c),  14,  or  15(d) of the  Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 until we sell all the notes.

    - Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended  December 31, 1997, and Form
    10-K/A dated April 1, 1998;

    - Quarterly  Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters  ended March 31, 1998, as
    amended, and June 30, 1998 and Form 10-Q/A filed May 15, 1998; and

    - Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 15, 1998.


You may request a copy of these  filings,  at no cost, by writing or telephoning
us at the following address:

      Mr. G. C. Dean
      American Electric Power Service Corporation
      1 Riverside Plaza
      Columbus, Ohio 43215
      614-223-1000

      You should  rely only on the  information  incorporated  by  reference  or
provided in this  prospectus or any  supplement.  We have not authorized  anyone
else to provide you with  different  information.  We are not making an offer of
these notes in any state where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume
that the  information in this prospectus or any supplement is accurate as of any
date other than the date on the front of those documents.

                             THE COMPANY

      We generate,  sell,  purchase,  transmit and distribute electric power. We
serve approximately 549,000 retail customers in northern and eastern Indiana and
a portion of southwestern Michigan. We also sell and transmit power at wholesale
to  other  electric  utilities,   municipalities,   electric   cooperatives  and
non-utility  entities  engaged in the  wholesale  power  market.  Our  principal
executive  offices are located at One Summit Square,  Fort Wayne,  Indiana 46801
(telephone number 219-425-2111).  We are a subsidiary of American Electric Power
Company,  Inc.,  a  public  utility  holding  company,  and we are a part of the
American  Electric Power  integrated  utility system.  The executive  offices of
American  Electric  Power  Company,  Inc.  are  located  at 1  Riverside  Plaza,
Columbus, Ohio 43215 (telephone number 614-223-1000).

                       PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENTS

      We provide  information to you about the notes in three separate documents
that  progressively  provide more detail:  (a) this prospectus  provides general
information  some of which may not  apply to your  notes,  (b) the  accompanying
prospectus  supplement  provides more specific terms of your notes,  and (c) the
pricing  supplement  provides the final terms of your notes. It is important for
you to consider the  information  contained in this  prospectus,  the prospectus
supplement and the pricing supplement in making your investment decision.

                 RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

      The Ratio of Earnings to Fixed  Charges for each of the periods  indicated
is as follows:

    Twelve Months
    Period Ended               Ratio
    -----------------          -----
    December 31, 1993          2.06
    December 31, 1994          2.23
    December 31, 1995          2.31
    December 31, 1996          2.62
    December 31, 1997          2.55

    June 30, 1998              2.38

      For current information on the Ratio of Earnings to Fixed
Charges, please see our most recent Form 10-K and 10-Q. See Where
You Can Find More Information.

                           USE OF PROCEEDS
      The net  proceeds  from the  sale of the  notes  will be used for  general
corporate  purposes  relating to our utility  business.  These purposes  include
redeeming or repurchasing  outstanding  debt or preferred stock and replenishing
working capital. If we do not use the net proceeds  immediately,  we temporarily
invest them in short-term,  interest-bearing  obligations.  We estimate that our
construction costs in 1998 will approximate $163,000,000. At September 25, 1998,
our outstanding short-term debt was $59,200,000.

                      DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES
General
      We will issue the notes under an  Indenture  to be entered into between us
and the Trustee,  The Bank of New York.  This prospectus  briefly  outlines some
provisions  of the  Indenture.  If you  would  like  more  information  on these
provisions,  review the  Indenture  and any  supplemental  indentures or company
orders that we file with the SEC. See Where You Can Find More Information on how
to locate these documents.  You may also review these documents at the Trustee's
offices at 101 Barclay Street, New York, New York.

      The Indenture  does not limit the amount of notes that may be issued.  The
Indenture  permits us to issue notes in one or more series or tranches  upon the
approval  of our board of  directors  and as  described  in one or more  company
orders or supplemental  indentures.  Each series of notes may differ as to their
terms.

      The  notes are  unsecured  and will rank  equally  with all our  unsecured
unsubordinated  debt.  Substantially  all of our fixed properties and franchises
are subject to the lien of our first  mortgage bonds issued under and secured by
an  Indenture  of  Mortgage  and Deed of  Trust,  dated as of June 1,  1939,  as
previously  supplemented  and  amended,  between  us and The  Bank of New  York,
formerly Irving Trust Company,  as trustee.  For current information on our debt
outstanding  see our most recent Form 10-K and 10-Q. See Where You Can Find More
Information.

      The notes will be  denominated  in U.S.  dollars and we will pay principal
and  interest  in U.S.  dollars.  Unless an  applicable  pricing  or  prospectus
supplement  states  otherwise,  the notes will not be subject to any conversion,
amortization,  or sinking fund.  We expect that the notes will be  "book-entry,"
represented by a permanent  global note registered in the name of The Depository
Trust  Company,  or its nominee.  We reserve the right,  however,  to issue note
certificates registered in the name of the noteholders.

      In the discussion that follows, whenever we talk about paying principal on
the notes,  we mean at maturity or redemption.  Also, in discussing the time for
notices and how the different  interest rates are calculated,  all times are New
York City time and all references to New York mean the City of New York,  unless
otherwise noted.

      The following  terms may apply to each note as specified in the applicable
pricing or prospectus supplement and the note.

Redemptions

      If we issue  redeemable  notes,  we may  redeem  such  notes at our option
unless an applicable  pricing or prospectus  supplement  states  otherwise.  The
pricing or  prospectus  supplement  will state the terms of  redemption.  We may
redeem notes in whole or in part by delivering written notice to the noteholders
no more than 60, and not less than 30,  days prior to  redemption.  If we do not
redeem all the notes of a series at one time,  the Trustee  selects the notes to
be redeemed in a manner it determines to be fair.

Remarketed Notes

      If we issue notes with  remarketing  features,  an  applicable  pricing or
prospectus supplement will describe the terms for the notes including:  interest
rate, remarketing  provisions,  our right to redeem notes, the holders' right to
tender notes, and any other provisions.

Book-Entry Notes - Registration, Transfer, and Payment of Interest
and Principal

      Book-entry  notes of a series  will be issued in the form of a global note
that the Trustee will deposit with The Depository  Trust Company,  New York, New
York  ("DTC").  This  means  that we will not issue  note  certificates  to each
holder.  One or  more  global  notes  will be  issued  to DTC  who  will  keep a
computerized record of its participants (for example, your broker) whose clients
have purchased the notes. The participant will then keep a record of its clients
who purchased  the notes.  Unless it is exchanged in whole or in part for a note
certificate,  a  global  note  may not be  transferred;  except  that  DTC,  its
nominees,  and their  successors  may  transfer a global  note as a whole to one
another.

      Beneficial  interests in global  notes will be shown on, and  transfers of
global  notes  will be made  only  through,  records  maintained  by DTC and its
participants.

      DTC has provided us the following  information:  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 United  States
Federal Reserve System, a "clearing  corporation"  within the meaning of the New
York  Uniform  Commercial  Code and a  "clearing  agency"  registered  under the
provisions  of Section 17A of the  Securities  Exchange  Act of 1934.  DTC holds
securities that its participants ("Direct  Participants")  deposit with DTC. DTC
also  records  the   settlement   among  Direct   Participants   of   securities
transactions,  such as transfers and pledges,  in deposited  securities  through
computerized records for Direct Participant's accounts. This eliminates the need
to exchange note certificates.  Direct  Participants  include securities brokers
and dealers,  banks,  trust companies,  clearing  corporations and certain other
organizations.

      Other  organizations  such as  securities  brokers and dealers,  banks and
trust companies that work through a Direct Participant also use DTC's book-entry
system.  The rules that apply to DTC and its  participants  are on file with the
SEC.

      A number of its Direct Participants and the New York Stock
Exchange, Inc., The American Stock Exchange, Inc. and the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. own DTC.

      We will wire principal and interest payments to DTC's nominee.  We and the
Trustee  will  treat  DTC's  nominee  as the owner of the  global  notes for all
purposes.  Accordingly, we, the Trustee and any paying agent will have no direct
responsibility  or liability to pay amounts due on the global notes to owners of
beneficial interests in the global notes.

      It is DTC's current practice,  upon receipt of any payment of principal or
interest, to credit Direct Participants'  accounts on the payment date according
to their  respective  holdings of  beneficial  interests  in the global notes as
shown on DTC's records. In addition,  it is DTC's current practice to assign any
consenting or voting rights to Direct  Participants  whose accounts are credited
with notes on a record date. The customary  practices  between the  participants
and owners of  beneficial  interests  will govern  payments by  participants  to
owners of beneficial  interests in the global notes and voting by  participants,
as is the case with  notes  held for the  account  of  customers  registered  in
"street name." However,  payments will be the responsibility of the participants
and not of DTC, the Trustee or us.

      Notes  represented  by  a  global  note  will  be  exchangeable  for  note
certificates with the same terms in authorized denominations only if:

    - DTC notifies us that it is  unwilling or unable to continue as  depositary
    or if DTC ceases to be a clearing agency registered under applicable law and
    a successor depositary is not appointed by us within 90 days; or

    - we determine not to require all of the notes of a series to be represented
    by a global note and notify the Trustee of our decision.

Note Certificates-Registration, Transfer, and Payment of Interest
and Principal

      If we issue note certificates,  they will be registered in the name of the
noteholder.   The  notes  may  be   transferred   or   exchanged,   pursuant  to
administrative  procedures in the indenture,  without the payment of any service
charge  (other  than any tax or other  governmental  charge) by  contacting  the
paying agent. Payments on note certificates will be made by check.

Interest Rate

      General

      We have  provided a Glossary at the end of this  prospectus  to define the
capitalized terms used in discussing the interest rates payable on the notes.

      The  interest  rate on the notes  will  either be fixed or  floating.  The
interest  paid will  include  interest  accrued to, but  excluding,  the date of
maturity or  redemption.  Interest is  generally  payable to the person in whose
name the note is  registered  at the close of business on the record date before
each interest payment date. Interest payable at maturity or redemption, however,
will be payable to the person to whom principal is payable.

      If we  issue a note  after a record  date  but on or prior to the  related
interest  payment date, we will pay the first  interest  payment on the interest
payment date after the next record date. We will pay interest  payments by check
or wire transfer, at our option.


      Fixed Rate Notes

      Each pricing supplement will designate the record dates, payment dates and
the fixed rate of interest payable on a note. We will pay interest  quarterly or
semi-annually,  and upon maturity or redemption. Unless an applicable pricing or
prospectus supplement states otherwise,  if any payment date falls on a day that
is not a Business  Day,  we will pay  interest on the next  Business  Day and no
additional  interest  will be paid.  Interest  payments  will be the  amount  of
interest accrued to, but excluding, each payment date. Interest will be computed
using a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.

      Floating Rate Notes:  General

      Each floating  rate note will have an interest  rate formula.  The formula
may be based on:

       - the  commercial  paper  rate;  - the prime rate;  - the CD rate;  - the
       federal funds effective rate; - the LIBOR; - the Treasury rate; - the CMT
       rate; or - another interest rate index.

      The  applicable  pricing  supplement  will also indicate the Spread and/or
Spread  Multiplier,  if any.  In  addition,  any  floating  rate note may have a
maximum or minimum interest rate limitation.

      Upon request, the Calculation Agent will provide the current interest rate
and, if  different,  the interest  rate which will become  effective on the next
Interest Reset Date.

      Floating Rate Notes: Date of Interest Rate Change

      The interest rate on each floating rate note may be reset
daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually. The
Interest Reset Date will be:

    - for notes which reset daily, each Business Day;

    - for notes (other than Treasury rate notes) which reset weekly,
    the Wednesday of each week;

    - for Treasury rate notes which reset weekly,  the Tuesday of each week; for
    notes which reset monthly, on the third Wednesday of each month;

    -  for notes which reset quarterly, the third Wednesday of
    March, June, September and December;

    - for notes which reset semi-annually, the third Wednesday of the two months
    of each year indicated in the applicable pricing supplement; and

    - for notes which reset  annually,  the third Wednesday of the month of each
    year indicated in the applicable pricing supplement.

      The applicable  pricing supplement will state the initial interest rate or
interest  rate formula on each note  effective  until the first  Interest  Reset
Date.  After that,  the interest  rate will be the rate  determined  on the next
Interest  Determination  Date, as explained below. Each time a new interest rate
is determined,  it will become effective on the subsequent  Interest Reset Date.
If any Interest  Reset Date is not a Business Day, then the Interest  Reset Date
will be  postponed to the next  Business  Day.  However,  in the case of a LIBOR
note, if the next Business Day is in the next calendar month, the Interest Reset
Date will be the immediately preceding Business Day.

      Floating Rate Notes: When Interest Rate Is Determined

      The Interest Determination Date for all notes (except Treasury rate notes)
is the second  Business  Day  before the  Interest  Reset  Date  (second  London
Business Day before the Interest Reset Date for LIBOR notes).

      The Interest Determination Date for Treasury rate notes will be the day of
the week in which the Interest  Reset Date falls on which  Treasury  bills would
normally be auctioned.  Treasury  bills are usually sold at auction on Monday of
each week,  unless  that day is a legal  holiday,  in which case the  auction is
usually  held on Tuesday.  However,  the  auction  may be held on the  preceding
Friday.  If an auction  is held on the  preceding  Friday,  that day will be the
Interest  Determination  Date pertaining to the Interest Reset Date occurring in
the next week.  If an auction  date  falls on any  Interest  Reset Date then the
Interest Reset Date will instead be the first Business Day immediately following
the auction date.

      Floating Rate Notes:  When Interest Is Paid

      Interest is paid as follows:

      - for notes which reset daily,  weekly or monthly,  on the third Wednesday
      of each month or on the third  Wednesday  of March,  June,  September  and
      December (as indicated in the applicable pricing supplement);

      - for notes which reset quarterly, on the third Wednesday of
      March, June, September, and December;

      - for notes which reset semi-annually, on the third Wednesday
      of the two months specified in the applicable pricing
      supplement;

      - for notes which reset annually, on the third Wednesday of
      the month specified in the applicable pricing supplement; and

      - at maturity or redemption .

      If interest is payable on a day which is not a Business Day,  payment will
be postponed to the next Business Day and no additional  interest  shall be due.
However,  for LIBOR  notes,  if the next  Business  Day is in the next  calendar
month, interest will be paid on the preceding Business Day.

      Unless an applicable pricing supplement states otherwise,  the record date
will be 15 calendar days prior to each day interest is paid, whether or not such
day is a Business Day.

      The  interest  payable  will be the  amount of  interest  accrued  to, but
excluding,  the interest payment date. However,  for notes on which the interest
resets daily or weekly,  the interest  payable will include  interest accrued to
and  including  the  record  date prior to the  interest  payment  date.  If the
interest  payment date is also a day that principal is due, the interest payable
will  include  interest  accrued  to, but  excluding,  the date of  maturity  or
redemption.

      The accrued  interest  for any period is  calculated  by  multiplying  the
principal amount of a note by an accrued  interest factor.  The accrued interest
factor is computed by adding the interest factor  calculated for each day in the
period to the date for which accrued interest is being calculated.  The interest
factor  (expressed  as a decimal  rounded  upwards if  necessary) is computed by
dividing the interest rate (expressed as a decimal rounded upwards if necessary)
applicable to such date by 360, unless the applicable  pricing supplement states
otherwise, or the notes are Treasury rate notes or CMT rate notes, in which case
it will be divided by the actual number of days in the year.

      All percentages resulting from any calculation of floating rate notes will
be rounded, if necessary,  to the nearest one-hundred thousandth of a percentage
point,  with five  one-millionths  of a percentage  point rounded upwards (e.g.,
9.876545% (or  .09876545)  being rounded to 9.87655% (or .0987655) and 9.876544%
(or .09876544) being rounded to 9.87654% (or .0987654)),  and all dollar amounts
used in or resulting from such  calculation  will be rounded to the nearest cent
(with one-half cent being rounded upwards).

      Floating Rate Notes:  Interest Rate Formulas

      Commercial  Paper Rate Notes.  Each  commercial  paper rate note will bear
interest at the rate (calculated with reference to the Commercial Paper Rate and
the Spread and/or Spread  Multiplier,  if any) specified on the commercial paper
rate note and in the applicable pricing supplement.

      "Commercial  Paper Rate" means,  with respect to any Commercial Paper Rate
Interest  Determination  Date,  the Money Market Yield  (calculated as described
below) of the rate on such date for  commercial  paper having the Index Maturity
specified in the applicable  pricing  supplement as published in Federal Reserve
Statistical Release H.15(519) under the heading "Commercial
Paper--Nonfinancial."

      The following procedures will occur if the rate cannot be set as described
above:

         (a) If that rate is not  published  in H.15 (519) prior to 3:00 P.M. on
    the  Calculation  Date,  then the  Commercial  Paper  Rate will be the Money
    Market Yield of the rate on the Commercial Paper Rate Interest Determination
    Date for  commercial  paper  having  the  Index  Maturity  specified  in the
    applicable pricing supplement as published in Composite Quotations under the
    heading "Commercial Paper."

         (b) If the rate is not  published  in either H.15 (519) or in Composite
    Quotations by 3:00 P.M. on the Calculation  Date, the Commercial  Paper Rate
    for that  Commercial  Paper Rate  Interest  Determination  Date will then be
    calculated by the Calculation Agent in the following manner.

         The Commercial  Paper Rate will be calculated as the Money Market Yield
    of the  average  for the offered  rates,  as of 11:00 A.M. on that date,  of
    three  leading  dealers  of  commercial  paper  in  New  York  selected  for
    commercial  paper  having  the  applicable  Index  Maturity  placed  for  an
    industrial  issuer  whose  bond  rating is "Aa," or the  equivalent,  from a
    nationally recognized rating agency.

          (c) Finally, if fewer than three dealers are quoting as mentioned, the
    rate of interest in effect for the applicable period will be the same as the
    rate of interest in effect for the prior interest reset period.

      Prime Rate  Notes.  Each prime  rate note will bear  interest  at the rate
(calculated  with  reference  to the Prime  Rate and the  Spread  and/or  Spread
Multiplier,  if any)  specified  on the prime  rate  note and in the  applicable
pricing supplement.

      "Prime Rate" means, with respect to any Prime Rate Interest  Determination
Date, the rate set forth on such date in H.15(519) under the heading "Bank Prime
Loan."

      The following procedures will occur if the rate cannot be set as described
above:

         (a) If that rate is not  published in  H.15(519)  prior to 3:00 P.M. on
    the  Calculation  Date, then the Prime Rate will be the average of the rates
    of  interest  publicly  announced  by each bank that  appear on the  Reuters
    Screen USPRIME1 Page as its prime rate or base lending rate as in effect for
    that Prime Rate Interest Determination Date.

         (b) If fewer  than four rates  appear on the  Reuters  Screen  USPRIME1
    Page,  the Prime Rate will be the average of the prime rates or base lending
    rates  quoted on the basis of the actual  number of days in the year divided
    by a 360-day  year as of the close of  business  on the Prime Rate  Interest
    Determination  Date by four major money center banks in New York selected by
    the Calculation Agent.

         (c) If fewer than four banks are quoting as  mentioned,  the Prime Rate
    shall be determined  on the basis of the rates  furnished in New York by the
    major money center banks, if any, that have provided such quotations, and by
    an appropriate  number of substitute banks or trust companies  organized and
    doing business  under the laws of the United  States,  or any State thereof,
    having  total equity  capital of at least $500 million and being  subject to
    supervision or examination by a Federal or State  authority,  as selected by
    the Calculation Agent.

        (d) Finally,  if the banks are not quoting as mentioned  above, the rate
    of interest in effect for the applicable period will be the same as the rate
    of interest in effect for the prior interest reset period.

      CD  Rate  Notes.  Each  CD  rate  note  will  bear  interest  at the  rate
(calculated  with  reference  to  the CD  Rate  and  the  Spread  and/or  Spread
Multiplier,  if any) specified on the CD rate note and in the applicable pricing
supplement.

      "CD Rate" means, with respect to any CD Rate Interest  Determination Date,
the rate on that date for negotiable U.S. dollar  certificates of deposit having
the Index Maturity  specified in the applicable  pricing supplement as published
in H.15(519) under the heading "CDs (Secondary Market)."

      The following procedures will occur if the rate cannot be set as described
above:

         (a) If that rate is not  published in  H.15(519)  prior to 3:00 P.M. on
    the  Calculation  Date,  then  the CD Rate  will be the rate on that CD Rate
    Interest  Determination  Date for negotiable  U.S.  Dollar  certificates  of
    deposit  having the  applicable  Index  Maturity as  published  in Composite
    Quotations under the heading "Certificates of Deposit."

         (b) If that rate is not  published in either H.15 (519) or in Composite
    Quotations by 3:00 P.M. on that  Calculation  Date,  the CD Rate for that CD
    Rate Interest  Determination  Date shall be  calculated  by the  Calculation
    Agent as follows:

         The CD Rate will be calculated  as the average of the secondary  market
    offered  rates,  as of 10:00  A.M.,  of three  leading  nonbank  dealers  of
    negotiable U.S.  dollar  certificates of deposit in New York selected by the
    Calculation  Agent for negotiable  U.S.  dollar  certificates  of deposit of
    major United States money market banks with a remaining  maturity closest to
    the Index  Maturity  specified in the  applicable  pricing  supplement  in a
    representative amount.

         (c) Finally, if fewer than three dealers are quoting as mentioned,  the
    rate of interest in effect for the applicable period will be the same as the
    rate of interest in effect for the prior interest reset period.

      Federal Funds Rate Notes.  Each federal funds rate note will bear interest
at the rate  (calculated with reference to the Federal Funds Rate and the Spread
and/or Spread  Multiplier,  if any) specified on the federal funds rate note and
in the applicable pricing supplement.

      "Federal  Funds  Rate"  means,  with  respect  to any  Federal  Funds Rate
Interest Determination Date, the rate on such date for U.S. dollar federal funds
as published in H.15(519) under the heading "Federal Funds (Effective)."

      The following procedures will occur if the rate cannot be set as described
above:

         (a) If that rate is not  published in  H.15(519)  prior to 3:00 P.M. on
    the  Calculation  Date, then the Federal Funds Rate will be the rate on that
    Federal  Funds Rate  Interest  Determination  Date as published in Composite
    Quotations under the heading "Federal Funds/Effective Rate."

         (b) If that rate is not  published in either H.15 (519) or in Composite
    Quotations by 3:00 P.M. on the Calculation  Date, the Federal Funds Rate for
    that Federal  Funds Rate Interest  Determination  Date will be calculated by
    the Calculation Agent as follows:

         The  Federal  Funds Rate will be the  average of the rates,  as of 9:00
    A.M. on that date,  for the last  transaction  in  overnight  federal  funds
    arranged by three leading brokers of federal funds  transactions in New York
    selected by the Calculation Agent.

         (c)  Finally,  if fewer than three  brokers  are  quoting as  mentioned
    above, the rate of interest in effect for the applicable  period will be the
    same as the rate of interest in effect for the prior interest reset period.

      LIBOR Notes.  Each LIBOR note will bear  interest at the rate  (calculated
with  reference  to LIBOR  and the  Spread  and/or  Spread  Multiplier,  if any)
specified on the LIBOR note and in the applicable pricing supplement.

      "LIBOR" means the London interbank offered rate for deposits
in U.S. dollars and  will be determined by the Calculation Agent as
follows:

         (a) With respect to any LIBOR Interest  Determination  Date, LIBOR will
    be determined by either:

             (1) the average of the offered  rates for deposits in U.S.  dollars
       having the Index Maturity specified in the applicable pricing supplement,
       beginning on the second  Business Day  immediately  after that date, that
       appear on the Reuters Screen LIBO Page as of 11:00 A.M.,  London time, on
       that date,  if at least two offered  rates  appear on the Reuters  Screen
       LIBO Page; or

            (2) the rate for deposits in U.S.  dollars having the Index Maturity
       designated in the applicable pricing supplement,  beginning on the second
       London  Business  Day  immediately  after such date,  that appears on the
       Telerate Page 3750 as of 11:00 A.M., London time, on that date.

         If neither Reuters Screen LIBO Page nor Telerate Page 3750 is specified
    in the  applicable  pricing  supplement,  LIBOR  will  be  determined  as if
    Telerate Page 3750 had been specified.
         In the case where (1) above  applies,  if fewer than two offered  rates
    appear on the  Reuters  Screen  LIBO  Page,  or, in the case where (2) above
    applies,  if no rate appears on the Telerate Page 3750,  LIBOR for that date
    will be determined as follows:

           (b) LIBOR  will be  determined  based on the  rates at  approximately
    11:00 A.M., London time, on that LIBOR Interest  Determination Date at which
    deposits in U.S. dollars having the applicable Index Maturity are offered to
    prime banks in the London interbank market by four major banks in the London
    interbank  market selected by the Calculation  Agent that in the Calculation
    Agent's judgment is representative  for a single  transaction in such market
    at such time (a  "Representative  Amount").  The offered rates must begin on
    the second Business Day immediately after that LIBOR Interest  Determination
    Date.

         The Calculation  Agent will request the principal London office of each
    such  bank to  provide  a  quotation  of its  rate.  If at  least  two  such
    quotations  are  provided,  LIBOR for such date will be the  average of such
    quotations.

         (c) If fewer than two quotations are provided, LIBOR for that date will
    be the average of the rates quoted at approximately  11:00 A.M. on such date
    by three major banks in New York,  selected by the  Calculation  Agent.  The
    rates will be for loans in U.S. dollars to leading European banks having the
    specified  Index  Maturity  beginning on the second  Business Day after that
    date and in a Representative Amount.

         (d) Finally,  if fewer than three banks are quoting as  mentioned,  the
    rate of interest in effect for the applicable period will be the same as the
    rate of interest in effect for the prior interest reset period.

      Treasury  Rate Notes.  Each  Treasury  rate note will bear interest at the
rate  (calculated  with  reference  to the Treasury  Rate and the Spread  and/or
Spread  Multiplier,  if any)  specified  on the  Treasury  rate  note and in the
applicable pricing supplement.

      "Treasury  Rate"  means,  with  respect  to  any  Treasury  Rate  Interest
Determination  Date, the rate for the most recent auction of direct  obligations
of the United States ("Treasury  Bills") having the Index Maturity  specified in
the applicable  pricing  supplement as published in H.15(519)  under the heading
"U.S. Government Securities/Treasury Bills/Auction Average (Investment)."

      The following procedures will occur if the rate cannot be set as described
above:

         (a) If that rate is not  published  in  H.15(519)  by 3:00 P.M.  on the
    applicable  Calculation  Date,  the rate will be the  auction  average  rate
    (expressed as a bond equivalent,  on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days,
    as  applicable,  and applied on a daily basis) for such auction as otherwise
    announced by the United States Department of the Treasury.

         (b)  If the  results  of the  auction  of  Treasury  Bills  having  the
    applicable  Index  Maturity are not  published in H.15(519) by 3:00 P.M., or
    otherwise  published  or  reported  as  provided  above by 3:00 P.M.  on the
    Calculation  Date, or if no auction is held in a particular  week,  then the
    Treasury Rate shall be calculated by the Calculation Agent as follows:

         The rate will be calculated as a yield to maturity (expressed as a bond
    equivalent,  on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as  applicable,  and
    applied on a daily basis) of the average of the  secondary  market bid rates
    as of  approximately  3:30 P.M. on the Treasury Rate Interest  Determination
    Date, of three leading primary United States government  securities  dealers
    in New York  selected  by the  Calculation  Agent for the issue of  Treasury
    Bills with a remaining maturity closest to the specified Index Maturity.

         (c) Finally, if fewer than three dealers are quoting as mentioned,  the
    rate of  interest  in effect for the period  will be the same as the rate of
    interest in effect for the prior interest reset period.

      CMT  Rate  Notes.  Each CMT  rate  note  will  bear  interest  at the rate
(calculated with reference to the CMT Rate and the Spread or Spread  Multiplier,
if  any)  specified  on  such  CMT  rate  note  and  in the  applicable  pricing
supplement.

      "CMT Rate"  means,  with  respect to any CMT Rate  Interest  Determination
Date,  the rate  displayed on the Designated CMT Telerate Page under the caption
"...  Treasury  Constant  Maturities..  Federal  Reserve Board  Release  H.15...
Mondays  Approximately  3:45 P.M.,"  under the column for the  applicable  Index
Maturity designated in the applicable pricing supplement for:

      (1) if the  Designated  CMT  Telerate  Page  is  7055,  the  rate  for the
applicable CMT Rate Interest Determination Date; or

      (2) if the  Designated  CMT Telerate Page is 7052, the week, or the month,
as  applicable,  ended  immediately  preceding  the week in  which  the CMT Rate
Interest Determination Date occurs.

      The following procedures will occur if the rate cannot be set as described
above:
         (a) If no page is specified in the applicable pricing supplement and on
    the face of such CMT Rate note,  the  Designated  CMT Telerate Page shall be
    7052 for the most recent  week.  If such rate is no longer  displayed on the
    relevant  page,  or if it is not  displayed  by  3:00  P.M.  on the  related
    Calculation  Date, then the CMT Rate will be the Treasury  constant maturity
    rate for the  applicable  Index  Maturity as published in the relevant  H.15
    (519).

         (b) If  that  rate  is no  longer  published  in  H.15(519),  or is not
    published by 3:00 P.M. on the related  Calculation  Date,  then the CMT Rate
    for such CMT Rate Interest  Determination Date will be the Treasury constant
    maturity  rate for the  applicable  Index  Maturity (or other United  States
    Treasury   rate  for  such  Index   Maturity  for  that  CMT  Rate  Interest
    Determination  Date with respect to such Interest Reset Date) as may then be
    published  by  either  the  Federal  Reserve  Board  or  the  United  States
    Department  of the Treasury  that the  Calculation  Agent  determines  to be
    comparable to the rate  formerly  displayed on the  Designated  CMT Telerate
    Page and published in the relevant H.15(519).

         (c) If that  information  is not  provided  by 3:00 P.M. on the related
    Calculation Date, then the CMT Rate for that CMT Rate Interest Determination
    Date will be calculated by the Calculation Agent as follows:

         The  rate  will be  calculated  as a yield  to  maturity,  based on the
    average  of  the   secondary   market   closing  offer  side  prices  as  of
    approximately  3:30  P.M.  on that  CMT  Rate  Interest  Determination  Date
    reported,  according to their  written  records,  by three  leading  primary
    United States government  securities dealers (each, a "Reference Dealer") in
    New York selected by the Calculation  Agent.  These dealers will be selected
    from five such Reference Dealers.

         The Calculation  Agent will eliminate the highest quotation (or, in the
    event of equality,  one of the highest) and the lowest quotation (or, in the
    event of equality,  one of the lowest),  for the most recently issued direct
    noncallable fixed rate obligations of the United States  ("Treasury  Notes")
    with an original maturity of approximately the applicable Index Maturity and
    a remaining  term to maturity of not less than such Index Maturity minus one
    year.

         If two  Treasury  Notes with an original  maturity as  described in the
    preceding  sentence have  remaining  terms to maturity  equally close to the
    applicable Index Maturity, the quotes for the Treasury Note with the shorter
    remaining term to maturity will be used.

         (d) If the  Calculation  Agent cannot  obtain three such  Treasury Note
    quotations,  the CMT Rate for that CMT Rate Interest Determination Date will
    be calculated by the Calculation Agent as follows:

         The rate will be calculated as a yield to maturity based on the average
    of the secondary market offer side prices as of  approximately  3:30 P.M. on
    that CMT Rate Interest  Determination Date of three Reference Dealers in New
    York  selected by the  Calculation  Agent  using the same  method  described
    above,  for Treasury Notes with an original  maturity of the number of years
    that is the next highest to the  applicable  Index Maturity with a remaining
    term to maturity closest to such Index Maturity and in an amount of at least
    $100 million.

         If three or four (and not five) of the Reference Dealers are quoting as
    described above, then the CMT Rate will be based on the average of the offer
    prices  obtained  and neither the highest nor the lowest of such quotes will
    be eliminated.

         (e)  Finally,  if fewer than three  Reference  Dealers  are  quoting as
    mentioned,  the rate of interest in effect for the applicable period will be
    the same as the rate of  interest  in effect  for the prior  interest  reset
    period.

Events of Default

      "Event of Default" means any of the following:

        - failure to pay for three Business Days the principal of
        (or premium, if any, on) any note of a series when due and
        payable;

         - failure to pay for 30 days any interest on any note of
         any series when due and payable;

         - failure to perform any other  requirements  in such notes,  or in the
         Indenture in regard to such notes,  for 90 days after notice; - certain
         events of bankruptcy or insolvency; or

         - any other event of default specified in a series of notes.

      An Event of Default for a particular  series of notes does not necessarily
mean that an Event of Default has  occurred for any other series of notes issued
under the Indenture. If an Event of Default occurs and continues, the Trustee or
the holders of at least 33% of the  principal  amount of the notes of the series
affected  may  require  us to repay the  entire  principal  of the notes of such
series immediately ("Repayment Acceleration"). In most instances, the holders of
at least a majority in aggregate  principal  amount of the notes of the affected
series may rescind a previously triggered Repayment Acceleration. However, if we
cause  an  Event  of  Default  because  we have  failed  to pay  (unaccelerated)
principal, premium, if any, or interest, Repayment Acceleration may be rescinded
only if we have first cured our default by  depositing  with the Trustee  enough
money to pay all (unaccelerated) past due amounts and penalties, if any.

      The Trustee must within 90 days after a default occurs, notify the holders
of the notes of the  series of default  unless  such  default  has been cured or
waived. We are required to file an annual  certificate with the Trustee,  signed
by an  officer,  concerning  any  default  by us  under  any  provisions  of the
Indenture.

      Subject to the provisions of the Indenture  relating to its duties in case
of default,  the Trustee  shall be under no  obligation  to exercise  any of its
rights or powers under the  Indenture at the request,  order or direction of any
holders unless such holders offer the Trustee reasonable  indemnity.  Subject to
the  provisions  for  indemnification,  the holders of a majority  in  principal
amount of the notes of any  series  may  direct  the time,  method  and place of
conducting any proceedings for any remedy  available to, or exercising any trust
or power conferred on, the Trustee with respect to such notes.

Modification of Indenture

      Under the  Indenture,  our  rights and  obligations  and the rights of the
holders  of any notes may be  changed.  Any change  affecting  the rights of the
holders of any series of notes  requires  the consent of the holders of not less
than a majority in aggregate  principal  amount of the outstanding  notes of all
series affected by the change,  voting as one class.  However,  we cannot change
the terms of payment of principal or interest,  or a reduction in the percentage
required for changes or a waiver of default,  unless the holder consents. We may
issue additional  series of notes and take other action that does not affect the
rights of holders of any series by executing supplemental indentures without the
consent of any noteholders.

Consolidation, Merger or Sale

      We may merge or consolidate with any corporation or sell substantially all
of our assets as an entirety as long as the  successor  or  purchaser  expressly
assumes the payment of  principal,  and  premium,  if any,  and  interest on the
notes.

Legal Defeasance

      We will be discharged  from our  obligations on the notes of any series at
any time if:

      - we deposit with the Trustee sufficient cash or government  securities to
      pay the  principal,  interest,  any  premium and any other sums due to the
      stated maturity date or a redemption date of the note of the series, and

      - we deliver to the Trustee an opinion of counsel stating that the federal
      income tax  obligations of noteholders of that series will not change as a
      result of our performing the action described above.

      If this happens, the noteholders of the series will not be
entitled to the benefits of the Indenture except for registration
of transfer and exchange of notes and replacement of lost, stolen
or mutilated notes.
Covenant Defeasance

      We will be discharged from our obligations under any restrictive  covenant
applicable  to the notes of a  particular  series  if we  perform  both  actions
described above. See Legal Defeasance. If this happens, any later breach of that
particular restrictive covenant will not result in Repayment Acceleration. If we
cause an Event of Default apart from breaching that restrictive covenant,  there
may not be  sufficient  money or  government  obligations  on  deposit  with the
Trustee to pay all amounts due on the notes of that series. In that instance, we
would remain liable for such amounts.

Governing Law

      The  Indenture and notes of all series will be governed by the laws of the
State of New York.

Concerning the Trustee

      We and our affiliates use or will use some of the banking  services of the
Trustee in the normal course of business.

                        PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

      We may sell the notes (a)  through  agents;  (b) through  underwriters  or
dealers; or (c) directly to one or more purchasers.

By Agents

      Notes may be sold on a continuing  basis through agents  designated by us.
The agents will agree to use their reasonable  efforts to solicit  purchases for
the period of their appointment.

      Unless the pricing supplement states otherwise,  the notes will be sold to
the public at 100% of their principal  amount.  Agents will receive  commissions
from .125% to .750% of the principal  amount per note  depending on the maturity
of the note they sell.

      The Agents will not be obligated to make a market in the notes.  We cannot
predict the amount of trading or liquidity of the notes.

By Underwriters

      If underwriters  are used in the sale, the  underwriters  will acquire the
notes for their own  account.  The  underwriters  may resell the notes in one or
more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering
price or at varying prices  determined at the time of sale.  The  obligations of
the  underwriters  to purchase the notes will be subject to certain  conditions.
The  underwriters  will be  obligated  to  purchase  all the notes of the series
offered if any of the notes are purchased. Any initial public offering price and
any  discounts or  concessions  allowed or  re-allowed or paid to dealers may be
changed from time to time.

Direct Sales

      We may also sell notes  directly.  In this case, no underwriters or agents
would be involved.

General Information

      Underwriters,  dealers, and agents that participate in the distribution of
the notes may be  underwriters  as  defined in the  Securities  Act of 1933 (the
"Act"), and any discounts or commissions received by them from us and any profit
on the resale of the notes by them may be treated as underwriting  discounts and
commissions under the Act.

      We may have  agreements  with the  underwriters,  dealers  and  agents  to
indemnify them against certain civil  liabilities,  including  liabilities under
the Act.

      Underwriters,  dealers  and  agents may engage in  transactions  with,  or
perform  services  for, us or our  affiliates  in the  ordinary  course of their
businesses.

                         RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

      Reference  is made to pages 22 and 23 of the  Company's  Annual  Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, under the headings NOx SIP Calls
and the Ozone Transport  Assessment Group and Section 126 Petitions and to pages
II-1 and II-2 of the  Company's  Quarterly  Report on Form 10-Q for the  quarter
ended  March 31,  1998 for a  discussion  of proposed  nitrogen  oxides  ("NOx")
emissions  reduction rules and related  proceedings.  On September 24, 1998, the
U.S.  Environmental  Protection Agency ("Federal EPA") announced the issuance of
final rules (the "Final  Rules"),  adopted  substantially  in the form proposed,
requiring  reductions  in NOx emissions in 22 states in the eastern third of the
country,  including the states in which AEP System generating units are located.
It is anticipated  that these  reductions  will be imposed  primarily on utility
sources through revisions in state  implementation plans ("SIPs") adopted by the
individual  states.  The Final  Rules  assume a reduced  NOx  emission  rate for
utility  sources of  0.15/MMBtu  (approximately  an 85%  reduction) by May 2003.
Should the states  fail to adopt the  required  revisions  to their  state plans
within one year of the date of the  signing of the Final  Rules  (September  24,
1999),  Federal EPA has proposed to implement a federal plan to accomplish these
NOx reductions.  Federal EPA also proposed the approval of portions of petitions
filed by certain northeastern states under Section 126 of the Clean Air Act. The
proposed  approval of the Section 126 petitions  also would result in imposition
of NOx emission  reductions on utility and  industrial  sources in the states in
which  AEP  System   generating   units  are  located.   These   reductions  are
substantially the same as those required by the Final Rules and could be adopted
by Federal EPA in the event the states fail to implement SIPs in accordance with
the Final Rules. The costs of meeting NOx emissions reduction  requirements that
would be imposed as a result of the NOx SIPs or Section 126 petitions  cannot be
determined at this time, but such costs are expected to be significant.

                           LEGAL OPINIONS

      Our  counsel,  Simpson  Thacher & Bartlett,  New York,  NY, and one of our
lawyers will each issue an opinion about the legality of the notes for us. Dewey
Ballantine  LLP,  New  York,  NY  will  issue  an  opinion  for  the  agents  or
underwriters.  From time to time,  Dewey  Ballantine  LLP acts as counsel to our
affiliates for some matters.

                               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.


                              GLOSSARY

      Set  forth  below  are  definitions  of  some  of the  terms  used in this
Prospectus.

      "Business  Day" means any day other than a Saturday  or Sunday that (a) is
not a day on which banking institutions in New York, New York, are authorized or
obligated by law or executive order to be closed,  and (b) with respect to LIBOR
Notes  only,  is a day on  which  dealings  in  deposits  in  U.S.  dollars  are
transacted in the London interbank market.

      "Calculation  Agent"  means the  entity we choose to  perform  the  duties
related to interest rate  calculation  and resets for floating  rate notes.  The
applicable pricing supplement will identify the Calculation Agent.

      "Calculation   Date"  means  the  date  on  which  the  Calculation  Agent
calculates an interest  rate for a floating rate note,  which will be one of the
following:

    "Prime Rate" - tenth day after the related Prime Rate Interest Determination
    Date or, if such day is not a Business Day, the next Business Day.

    "CD Rate" - tenth day after the related CD Rate Interest  Determination Date
    or, if such day is not a Business Day, the next Business Day.

    "CMT Rate" - tenth day after the  related  CMT Rate  Interest  Determination
    Date or, if such day is not a Business Day, the next Business Day.

    "Commercial Paper Rate" - tenth day after the related  Commercial Paper Rate
    Interest  Determination Date or, if such day is not a Business Day, the next
    Business Day.

    "LIBOR" - the LIBOR Interest Determination Date.

    "Treasury  Rate" - tenth  day  after  the  related  Treasury  Rate  Interest
    Determination Date or, if such day is not a Business Day, the next Day.

    "Federal  Funds  Rate" - tenth day  after the  related  Federal  Funds  Rate
    Interest  Determination Date or, if such day is not a Business Day, the next
    Business Day.

      "Composite Quotations" means the daily statistical release
entitled "Composite 3:30 P.M. Quotations for U.S. Government
Securities," or any successor publication, published by The Federal
Reserve Bank of New York.

      "Designated CMT Telerate Page" means the display on the Dow Jones Telerate
Service on the page designated in the applicable  pricing  supplement and on the
face of such CMT Rate note (or any other page as may  replace  such page on that
service) for the purpose of displaying  Treasury Constant Maturities as reported
in H.15(519).

      "H.15 (519)" means the weekly  statistical  release entitled  "Statistical
Release H.15 (519),  Selected  Interest  Rates," or any  successor  publication,
published by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

      "Index Maturity"  means,  with respect to a floating rate note, the period
to  maturity  of the note on which  the  interest  rate  formula  is  based,  as
indicated in the applicable pricing supplement.

      "Interest Determination Date" means the date as of which the interest rate
for a  floating  rate  note  is to be  calculated,  to be  effective  as of  the
following  Interest  Reset Date and calculated on the related  Calculation  Date
(except in the case of LIBOR which is calculated  on the related LIBOR  Interest
Determination  Date). The Interest  Determination Dates will be indicated in the
applicable pricing supplement and in the note.

      "Interest  Reset Date"  means the date on which a floating  rate note will
begin to bear interest at the variable  interest rate determined on any Interest
Determination Date. The Interest Reset Dates will be indicated in the applicable
pricing supplement and in the note.

      "Money  Market  Yield" is the yield  (expressed  as a  percentage  rounded
upwards, if necessary, to the next higher one-hundred thousandth of a percentage
point) calculated in accordance with the following formula:

Money                  Market Yield = D X 360 X 100 360 - (D X M)

where "D" refers to the per annum  rate for  commercial  paper  quoted on a bank
discount  basis and expressed as a decimal;  and "M" refers to the actual number
of days in the period for which interest is being calculated.

      "Reuters Screen LIBO Page" means the display  designated as page "LIBO" on
the Reuters  Monitor  Money Rates Service (or such other page as may replace the
LIBO page on that service for the purpose of displaying London interbank offered
rates of major banks).

     "Reuters  Screen  USPRIME1  Page"  means  the  display  designated  as page
USPRIME1 on the Reuters  Monitor  Money Rates Service (or such other page as may
replace the USPRIME1  page on that service for the purpose of  displaying  prime
rates or base lending rates of major U.S. banks).

      "Spread"  means the number of basis  points  specified  in the  applicable
pricing  supplement as being applicable to the interest rate for a floating rate
note.

      "Spread  Multiplier"  means the  percentage  specified  in the  applicable
pricing  supplement as being applicable to the interest rate for a floating rate
note.

      "Telerate  Page 3750" means the display  designated  as page "3750" on the
Dow Jones  Telerate  Service (or such other page as may replace the 3750 page on
that  service  or such other  service or  services  as may be  nominated  by the
British  Bankers  Association  for the purpose of  displaying  London  interbank
offered rates of major banks for U.S. dollar deposits).



II-1

               Table of Contents

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE
    INFORMATION............................................... 2
THE COMPANY................................................... 2
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENTS........................................ 3
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO
   FIXED CHARGES.............................................. 3
USE OF PROCEEDS .............................................. 3
DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES ..................................... 3
   General  .................................................. 3
   Redemptions ................................................4
      Remarketed Notes........................................ 4
   Book-Entry Notes - Registration,
        Transfer, and  Payment of
        Interest and  Principal .............................. 4
   Note Certificates- Registration,
        Transfer, and  Payment of
        Interest and Principal ............................... 5
   Interest Rate ............................................. 6
      General ................................................ 6
      Fixed Rate Notes ....................................... 6
      Floating Rate Notes: General............................ 6
      Floating Rate Notes: Date
         of Interest Rate Change.............................. 6
      Floating Rate Notes: When
         Interest Rate Is Determined.......................... 7
      Floating Rate Notes: When
         Interest Is Paid..................................... 7
      Floating Rate Notes:  Interest
         Interest Rate Formulas............................... 8
     Event of Default.........................................14
     Modification of Indenture................................15
     Consolidation, Merger or Sale............................15
     Legal Defeasance.........................................15
     Covenant Defeasance......................................15
     Governing Law............................................15
     Concerning the Trustee...................................15
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION..........................................15
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS...........................................16
LEGAL OPINIONS................................................17
EXPERTS.......................................................17
GLOSSARY......................................................17

                       $200,000,000 UNSECURED NOTES

                             PROSPECTUS

           The date of this prospectus is October _, 1998



                               PART II

               INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS


Item 14.   Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.*

Securities and Exchange Commission Filing Fees............    $ 55,460
  Printing Registration Statement, Prospectus, etc........    $ 30,000
Independent Auditors' Fees  ..............................    $ 15,000
Charges of Trustee (including counsel fees)...............    $ 16,000
Legal Fees of Counsel.........................................$100,000
Rating Agency Fees............................................$.40,000
Miscellaneous Expenses........................................$.25,000

           Total..........................................    $281,460
                                                              ========

*Estimated, except for filing fees.


Item 15.  Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

      Section 23-1-37-8 of the Indiana Code provides that an Indiana corporation
may indemnify an individual made a party to a proceeding  because the individual
is or was a director if (i) the individual's conduct was in good faith, (ii) the
individual  reasonably believed that, in the case of conduct in the individual's
official  capacity  with the  corporation,  his or her  conduct  was in the best
interests of the corporation  and, in all other cases, his or her conduct was at
least not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and (iii) in the case
of a criminal  proceeding,  that the  director  either had  reasonable  cause to
believe his or her conduct was lawful or had no reasonable cause to believe that
such conduct was unlawful.  The termination of a proceeding by judgment,  order,
settlement,  conviction,  or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent is
not, of itself, determinative that a director did not meet the required standard
of conduct.  Section  23-1-37-9  requires a  corporation,  unless limited by its
articles  of  incorporation,  to  indemnify  a  director  who  has  been  wholly
successful in the defense of a proceeding against reasonable expenses (including
counsel fees) so incurred.  Section  23-1-37-10  authorizes a corporation to pay
for or reimburse the reasonable  expenses (including counsel fees) incurred by a
director  in  advance  of  final   disposition  of  a  proceeding  upon:  (1)  a
determination  that,  in light  of the  facts  then  known,  indemnification  is
permissible;  (2) receipt by the  corporation  of a written  affirmation  by the
director of his or her good faith belief that the  required  standard of conduct
has been met; and (3) receipt by the corporation of a written undertaking by the
director  to repay any such  advance  if it is  ultimately  determined  that the
director did not meet the required standard of conduct.

      Pursuant to Section  23-1-37-11,  a director may apply for indemnification
to a court of competent jurisdiction. Pursuant to Section 23-1-37-13, an officer
is entitled to mandatory  indemnification  under Section  23-1-37-9 and to apply
for court-ordered indemnification under Section 23-1-37-11 to the same extent as
a director.  A corporation  may  indemnify  and advance  expenses to an officer,
employee  or agent to the same  extent as to a  director.  Pursuant  to  Section
23-1-37-14,  a corporation  may purchase and maintain  insurance on behalf of an
individual  who is a director,  officer,  employee or agent of the  corporation,
whether or not the  corporation  would have  power by statute to  indemnify  the
individual  against the same  liability.  Section  23-1-37-15  provides that the
statutory  provisions  do not exclude any other  rights to  indemnification  and
advance  for  expenses  that a person may  otherwise  have.  The  by-laws of the
Company provide for the indemnification of directors and officers of the Company
to the full extent permitted by the Indiana Code.

      The above is a general  summary of  certain  provisions  of the  Company's
by-laws and of the Indiana  Code and is subject in all  respects to the specific
and detailed provisions of the Company's by-laws and the Indiana Code.

      Reference  is made to the  Underwriting  Agreement,  filed as Exhibit 1(b)
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 a part of this Registration Statement.

Item 17.   Undertakings.

      The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

      (1) To file,  during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a
post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

           (i)  To  include  any   prospectus   required  by  section
      10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

           (ii) To reflect in the  prospectus  any facts or events arising after
      the  effective  date of the  registration  statement  (or the most  recent
      post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate,
      represent  a  fundamental  change  in the  information  set  forth  in the
      registration  statement.  Notwithstanding  the foregoing,  any increase or
      decrease in volume of Notes (if the total  dollar value of Notes would not
      exceed that which was  registered)  and any deviation from the low or high
      end of the estimated  maximum  offering range may be reflected in the form
      of  prospectus  filed with the  Commission  pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the
      Securities  Act of 1933 if, in the  aggregate,  the  changes in volume and
      price  represent  no  more  than a 20%  change  in the  maximum  aggregate
      offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in
      the effective registration statement;

           (iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of
      distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any
      material change to such information in the registration statement;

      Provided,  however,  that  (i) and (ii) do not  apply if the  registration
statement  is on  Form  S-3 or Form  S-8,  and the  information  required  to be
included in a  post-effective  amendment  by those  paragraphs  is  contained in
periodic  reports filed with or furnished to the  Commission  by the  registrant
pursuant to section 13 or section 15(d) of the  Securities  Exchange Act of 1934
that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement.

      (2)  That,  for  the  purpose  of  determining  any  liability  under  the
Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment 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.

      (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any
of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the
offering.

      (4) That, for purposes of determining  any liability  under the Securities
Act of 1933, each filing of the  registrant's  annual report pursuant to section
13(a)  or  section  15(d)  of the  Securities  Exchange  Act  of  1934  that  is
incorporated by reference in the registration  statement shall be deemed to be a
new  registration  statement  relating to the Notes, and the offering thereof at
that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

      (5)  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 State of  Indiana,  the
registrant's  By-laws 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 Debt Securities,  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.

      (6) For purposes 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 2nd day of
October, 1998.

                         INDIANA MICHIGAN POWER COMPANY

                         /s/ 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
       E. Linn Draper, Jr.*    Executive Officer    October 2, 1998

(ii)   Principal Financial
         Officer:
                             Treasurer and Chief
       /s/ A. A. Pena        Financial Officer     October  2, 1998
       A. A. Pena

(iii)  Principal Accounting
         Officer:
                               Controller and
       /s/ L. V. Assante       Accounting Officer  October  2, 1998
       L. V. Assante

(iv)     A Majority of the Directors:              October  2 , 1998

       K. G. Boyd*
       C. R. Boyle, III*
       G. A. Clark*
       E. Linn Draper, Jr.*
       Henry W. Fayne*
       James A. Kobyra*
       Wm. J. Lhota*
       James J. Markowsky*
       Armando A. Pena*
       D. B. Synowiec*
       J. H. Vipperman*
       W. E. Walters*
       E. H. Wittkamper*


*By /s/ Armando A. Pena
(Armando A. Pena, 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.Section 201.24 and Section 230.411, are
incorporated  herein by  reference  to the  documents  indicated  following  the
descriptions of such exhibits.

Exhibit No.     Description

    *1(a)   -   Proposed Selling Agency Agreement for the notes.

    *1(b)   -   Proposed  form  of  Underwriting  Agreement  for  the
                notes.

    *4(a)       - Proposed  form of  Indenture  to be entered  into  between the
                Company and The Bank of New York, as Trustee for the notes.

    *4(b)       -  Proposed  form of  Company  Order and  Officers'  Certificate
                establishing certain terms of the notes.

     *5     -   Opinion  of  Simpson  Thacher  &  Bartlett  as to the
                legality of the notes.

     12     -   Statement  re:   Computation  of  Ratios   [Quarterly
                Report on Form  10-Q of the  Company  for the  period
                ended June 30, 1998, File No. 1-3570, Exhibit 12].

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

    23(b)   -   Consent of Simpson  Thacher & Bartlett  (included  in
                Exhibit 5).

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

     *25    -   Form T-1 re: Eligibility of The Bank of New York.