EXHIBIT 23(A)


INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT


We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No.
333-77523 of Sierra Pacific Resources on Form S-3, Registration Statement No.
333-92651 of Sierra Pacific Resources on Form S-8, and Registration Statement
No. 333-72160 of Sierra Pacific Resources on Form S-3/A of our report dated
February 28, 2003, which includes an explanatory paragraph related to the
adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, appearing in
this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Sierra Pacific Resources for the year ended
December 31, 2002.

Deloitte & Touche LLP

Reno, Nevada
March 26, 2002