Exhibit 23.1

Consent of Independent Public Accountants

To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of Central and South West
Corporation:

      As independent public accountants,  we hereby consent to the incorporation
of our report dated February 25, 2000,  included in this Form 10-K, into Central
and South West Corporation's  previously filed  registration  statements on Form
S-8  (File  Nos.  33-49301,  33-63027  and  33-64233)  and on Form S-3 (File No.
333-00911).

Arthur Andersen LLP

Dallas, Texas
March 21, 2000


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