<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-23.(A)
<SEQUENCE>9
<FILENAME>0009.txt
<DESCRIPTION>CONSENT OF DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
<TEXT>

<PAGE>

                                                               Exhibit No. 23(a)
                                                               -----------------

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of
Carolina Power & Light Company on Form S-3 of our report dated February 15,
2001, appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Carolina Power & Light
Company for the year ended December 31, 2000 and to the reference to us under
the heading "Experts" in the Prospectus, which is part of this Registration
Statement.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
-------------------------
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Raleigh, North Carolina
April 9, 2001
</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>