Exhibit 23.1



                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


     We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration
Statement on Form S-8 of our reports dated February 22, 2000 (March 3, 2000
as to Note 7), appearing in and incorporated by reference in the Annual
Report on Form 10-K of American Electric Power Company, Inc. for the year
ended December 31, 1999.




/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP




Columbus, Ohio
June 15, 2000