
                                                                 Exhibit 23(a)






INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT



We consent to the inclusion in and the incorporation by reference in this
Registration Statement No. 333-67311 on Form S-4 of Roanoke Gas Company, of our
report dated October 20, 1998, included in the Annual Report to Stockholders of
Roanoke Gas Company for the year ended September 30, 1998, and to the reference
to us under the heading "Experts" in the Prospectus, which is part of the
Registration Statement.




s/Deloitte & Touche LLP
Deloitte & Touche LLP
December 4, 1998

