Exhibit 23(a) INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement of Appalachian 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 Appalachian 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 this Registration Statement. /s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP Columbus, Ohio April 12, 2002