EXHIBIT 23
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT


We consent to the  incorporation  by reference in  Registration  Statement  Nos.
333-46360,  333-39402,  333-66048  and  333-62278  of  American  Electric  Power
Company,  Inc.  on Form  S-8,  Post-Effective  Amendment  No. 1 to  Registration
Statement No.  333-50109 of American  Electric Power Company,  Inc. on Form S-8,
Post-Effective  Amendment  No.  3 to  Registration  Statement  No.  33-01052  of
American Electric Power Company,  Inc. on Form S-8, Post Effective Amendment No.
3 to  Registration  Statement No.  33-01734 of American  Electric Power Company,
Inc. on Form S-3, Post Effective  Amendment No. 1 to Registration  Statement No.
333-86050 of American Electric Power Company,  Inc. on Form S-3 and Registration
Statement No. 333-58540 of American Electric Power Company, Inc. on Form S-3, of
our report  dated  February 21, 2003 (May 14, 2003 as to Footnotes 3, 16 and 30)
(which  expresses an  unqualified  opinion and includes  explanatory  paragraphs
referring to the adoption of SFAS 142 "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets", to
certain impairments of goodwill,  long-lived assets and other investments in the
fourth  quarter  of 2002,  and to the  realignment  of  segments  for  financial
reporting  purposes),  appearing  in this Form 8-K of  American  Electric  Power
Company, Inc.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Columbus, Ohio
May 14, 2003