Exhibit 23(a)


                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT


We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Amendment No. 1 to
Registration Statement No. 333-86050 of American Electric Power Company, Inc. 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 American Electric Power
Company, Inc. 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
May 16, 2002