EXHIBIT 23.1

Consent of Auditors

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 reports dated February 28, 1997, included in, and
incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K, into Central and South West
Corporation's previously filed registration statements on Form S-8 (File Nos.
2-70746, 33-12992, 33-49301, 33-63027 and 33-64233) and on Form S-3 (File No.
33-50193 and 333-00911).



Arthur Andersen LLP



Dallas, Texas
March 10, 1997