<PAGE>
Exhibit 23(a)
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Post-Effective Amendment
No. 2 to Registration Statement No. 33-38349 of CP&L Energy, Inc. on Form S-3 of
our report dated February 8, 2000, except for Note 2, as to which the date is
March 3, 2000, appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Carolina Power &
Light Company for the year ended December 31, 1999, and to the reference to us
under the heading "Experts" in such Registration Statement.
/s/DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Raleigh, North Carolina
June 23, 2000