Exhibit 23(a)


                  INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT


     We consent to the incorporation by reference in this
Registration Statement of Ohio Power Company on Form S-3 of our
reports dated February 24, 1998, appearing in and incorporated by
reference in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Ohio Power Company
for the year ended December 31, 1997 and to the reference to us under
the heading "Experts" in the Prospectus, which is part of this
Registration Statement.



Deloitte & Touche LLP
Columbus, Ohio
April 7, 1998