EXHIBIT 23.1

                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Amendment No. 1 to Registration 
Statement No. 33-51354 on Form S-8 of Destec Energy, Inc., of our reports dated 
February 10, 1993, appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year 
ended December 31, 1992 of Destec Energy, Inc., February 9, 1994, except for 
Notes 9 and 17 as to which the date is February 22, 1994, appearing in the 
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993 of Destec 
Energy, Inc., February 8, 1995, appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for 
the year ended December 31, 1994 of Destec Energy, Inc. and 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.



DELOITTE & TOUCH LLP
Houston, Texas
August 30, 1996