EXHIBIT 23.01

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No.
333-59098 of Northern States Power Company - Minnesota on Form S-3 of our
report dated February 27, 2004 (which expresses an unqualified opinion based
upon our audits and includes an emphasis of a matter paragraph related to the
adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 143,
"Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations," effective January 1, 2003 and
Derivatives Implementation Group Issue No. C20, "Scope Exceptions:
Interpretation of the Meaning of Not Clearly and Closely Related in Paragraph
10-(b) Regarding Contracts with a Price Adjustment Feature" effective October 1,
2003), appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for Northern States Power
Company - Minnesota for the year ended December 31, 2003.

/S/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
March 16, 2004