Exhibit 23(a)


                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement 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
April 10, 2002