Exhibit 23(a)


                   INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT


We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Amendment
No. 1 to Registration Statement No. 333-100632 of Southwestern
Electric Power Company on Form S-3 of our reports dated February
22, 2002, appearing in and incorporated by reference in the
Annual Report on Form 10-K of Southwestern Electric Power Company
for the year ended December 31, 2001 and to the reference to us
under the heading "Experts" in the Prospectus, which is part of
such Registration Statement.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Columbus, Ohio
October 31, 2002