Exhibit 23(b)

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of our
report dated February 25, 2000 on Central and South West  Corporation,  included
and  incorporated  by  reference in this Form 10-K,  into the American  Electric
Power Company,  Inc.  registration  statements on Form S-8 (File Nos.  33-01052,
333-39402, 333-50109, 333-46360, 333-66048 and 333-62278) and Form S-3 (File No.
33-01734 and 333-58540).


/s/ Arthur Andersen LLP

Dallas, Texas
March 28, 2002