Exhibit 23(A)
-------------

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No.
33-92651 of Sierra Pacific Resources on Form S-8, Registration Statement No.
333-77523 of Sierra Pacific Resources on Form S-8, Registration Statement No.
333-80149 of Sierra Pacific Resources on Form S-3, Registration Statement No.
333-72160 of Sierra Pacific Resources on Form S-3, and Registration Statement
No. 333-64438 of Sierra Pacific Resources on Form S-3 of our reports dated
February 22, 2002, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Sierra
Pacific Resources for the year ended December 31, 2001.

Deloitte & Touche LLP

Reno, Nevada
March 18, 2002

                                      193