EXHIBIT 23.1


INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of
Reliant Energy, Incorporated on Form S-8 of our report dated March 28, 2002,
July 3, 2002 as to the effects of the restatement discussed in Note 1 (which
expresses an unqualified opinion and includes explanatory paragraphs relating to
the restatement described in Note 1 and the change in the method for accounting
for derivatives and hedging activities), appearing in Annual Report on Form
10-K/A of Reliant Energy, Incorporated for the year ended December 31, 2001.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Houston, Texas
August 14, 2002