<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-23
<SEQUENCE>4
<FILENAME>exh23.txt
<DESCRIPTION>D&T CONSENT
<TEXT>
                                                      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 21, 2003 (May 14, 2003 as to Notes 3,
16 and 30), appearing in and incorporated by reference in the
Annual Report on Form 10-K/A of American Electric Power Company, Inc.
and subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2002 (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) as updated by the
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 14, 2003, and to
the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in the
Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement.


Deloitte & Touche LLP
Columbus, Ohio

May 14, 2003


</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
