EXHIBIT NO. 23(a)



INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT




We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No.
33-33520 on Form S-8, Registration Statement No. 33-5134 on Form S-3,
Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No. 33-38349 on Form
S-3, Registration Statement No. 333-69237 on Form S-3, and Registration
Statement No. 333-70679 on Form S-8 of Carolina Power & Light Company, of our
report dated February 9, 1999 appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of
the Company for the year ended December 31, 1998.



/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP 

Raleigh, North Carolina
March 19, 1999