EXHIBIT 23
                                                        
                                                        
                                                        
    INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
    
    
    We consent to the incorporation by reference in
    Registration Statement Nos. 33-51215, and 333-00139
    of Idaho Power Company on Form S-3 and Registration
    Statement No. 33-56071 of Idaho Power Company on
    Form S-8 of our report dated January 31, 1997
    appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Idaho
    Power Company for the year ended December 31, 1996.
    
    
    
    
    
    DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
    
    Portland, Oregon
    August 5, 1997