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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
December 23, 1996
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)
AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
New York 1-3525 13-4922640
(State or other jurisdiction of (Commission (I.R.S. employer
incorporation or organization) file number) identification no.)
1 Riverside Plaza
Columbus, Ohio 43215
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
(614) 223-1000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
ITEM 5. Other Events
During the audit of American Electric Power Company, Inc.'s ("AEP")
consolidated Federal income tax returns for the years 1991 through
1993, Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") agents requested a ruling
from their National Office that certain interest deductions related
to corporate owned life insurance claimed by AEP for these years
should be disallowed. On December 23, 1996, AEP filed a brief with
the National Office of the IRS refuting the agents' position.
Although adjustments have not been proposed, a disallowance of
these interest deductions through December 31, 1996 would have an
adverse effect on earnings of approximately $247 million (including
interest). AEP believes it will ultimately prevail on this issue
and would vigorously contest any adjustments which may be assessed.
Accordingly, AEP has not recorded any amounts with respect to such
matters.
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY, INC.
(Registrant)
_/s/ A. A. Pena__________
A. A. Pena, Treasurer
Dated: January 21, 1997
