Exhibit No. 23(a) CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Nos. 333-50543, 33-50617, 33-50715, 333-02571, 333-02575, 333-14209, 333-30263, 333-40679 and 333-59327 of Duke Energy Corporation on Form S-3 and Registration Statement Nos. 333-29563, 333-29585, 333-29587, 333-34655, 333-12093, 333-50317 and 333-59279 of Duke Energy Corporation on Form S-8 of our report dated February 12, 1999, appearing in this Form 8-K of Duke Energy Corporation. Deloitte & Touche LLP Charlotte, North Carolina March 8, 1999