Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Nos. 333-106268 and 333-111806 on Form S-3, and in Registration Statement Nos. 33-61093, 333-34433, 333-34435, 333-76138, and 333-76140 on Form S-8, of our report dated March 22, 2005, relating to the Piedmont Natural Gas Company, Inc. Salary Investment Plan appearing in this Annual Report on Form 11-K of Piedmont Natural Gas Company, Inc. for the year ended September 30, 2004.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Charlotte, North Carolina
March 22, 2005