INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT




We consent to the  incorporation  by reference  in  Registration  Statement  No.
33-33520 on Form S-8 of Carolina Power & Light Company, of our report dated June
22,  1999,   appearing  in  this  Annual  Report  on  Form  11-K  of  the  Stock
Purchase-Savings  Plan of  Carolina  Power & Light  Company  for the year  ended
December 31, 1998.





\s\ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Raleigh, North Carolina
June 22, 1999