Exhibit 23(b)

                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT



We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of
New Century Energies, Inc. on Form S-3 of our report dated October 10, 1996,
appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Southwestern Public Service
Company for the year ended August 31, 1996 and our reports dated February 28,
1997, appearing in the Transition Report on Form 10-K of Southwestern Public
Service Company for the four months ended December 31, 1996 and appearing in the
Current Report on Form 8-K of New Century Energies, Inc. dated August 1, 1997
and to the reference to us as experts.





/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Dallas, Texas
November 17, 1997