

                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1


INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We consent to the  incorporation by reference in the Registration  Statement No.
33-49262 of The AES  Corporation  on Form S-8 of our report dated June 11, 1999,
appearing  in this  Annual  Report  on Form 11-K of The AES  Corporation  Profit
Sharing and Stock Ownership Plan for the year ended December 31, 1998.



/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Washington, DC
June 28, 1999

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