EXHIBIT 23.1

                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

     We consent to (i) the incorporation by reference in this Registration
Statement on Form S-3 of Duke Capital Corporation, (ii) the incorporation by
reference in Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement
No. 333-71297 on Form S-3 of Duke Capital Corporation and (iii) the
incorporation by reference in Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration
Statement No. 333-85995 on Form S-3 of Duke Capital Corporation of our report
dated February 12, 1999, appearing in the annual report on Form 10-K of Duke
Capital Corporation for the year ended December 31, 1998 filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, and to the reference to us under the heading
"Experts" in the Prospectus which is a part of these Registration Statements.


  /s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
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    DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP



Charlotte, North Carolina
December 7, 1999