EXHIBIT 23(a)

                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of
Piedmont Natural Gas Company, Inc. on Form S-8 of our report dated December 8,
2000, appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Piedmont Natural Gas
Company, Inc., for the year ended October 31, 2000.

                                    /s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Charlotte, North Carolina

December 31, 2001