EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
 
  We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement
on Form S-3 of Destec Energy, Inc. of our report dated February 7, 1996,
except for note 18, which the date is February 28, 1996 appearing in the
Annual Report on Form 10-K and 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 1995 of
Destec Energy, Inc., and to the references to us appearing under the caption
"Experts" in such Registration Statement.
 
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Houston, Texas
August 29, 1996