Exhibit No. 23(a)


INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No.
33-33520 on Form S-8, Registration Statement No. 33-5134 on Form S-3,
Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No. 33-38349 on
Form S-3, Registration Statement No. 33-50597 on Form S-3 and Registration
Statement No. 33-57835 on Form S-3 of Carolina Power & Light Company, of our
report dated February 10, 1997, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of
Carolina Power & Light Company for the year ended December 31, 1996.


\s\ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Raleigh, North Carolina
March 26, 1997