Exhibit 23.1



                                February 26, 1999



Virginia Electric and Power Company
Richmond, Virginia  23261


                       Virginia Electric and Power Company
                                    Form 10-K


Ladies and Gentlemen:

      We  consent  to the  incorporation  by  reference  into  the  Registration
Statements  of  Virginia  Electric  and Power  Company  on Form S-3  (File  Nos.
33-60271 and 333-47119) of the statements included in this Annual Report on Form
10-K that relate to franchises,  title to properties,  and limitations  upon the
issuance of bonds and preferred  stocks,  into the statements  made in regard to
our firm in such Registration Statements.



                                    Very truly yours,

                                    /s/ McGuire, Woods, Battle & Boothe LLP