INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT


We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration  Statement Nos.
333-46360 and 333-39402 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 and Post Effective  Amendment No. 3 to Registration  Statement
No. 33-01734 of American Electric Power Company,  Inc. on Form S-3 of our
reports  dated  February 26, 2001,  appearing in and  incorporated  by reference
in this Annual  Report on Form 10-K of American  Electric  Power  Company,  Inc.
for the year ended December 31, 2000.



Deloitte & Touche LLP
Columbus, Ohio
March 28, 2001