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                                                                      EXHIBIT 23


                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT


We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No.
333-11329 of Reliant Energy, Incorporated on Form S-8 of our report dated June
22, 2000, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 11-K of the Reliant Energy,
Incorporated Savings Plan for the year ended December 31, 1999.




Houston, Texas
June 27, 2000