Exhibit 23 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS ----------------------------------------- As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by reference of our report dated June 26, 1997, included in this Form 11-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, into Central Illinois Public Service Company's previously filed Registration Statements File Nos. 33-29384, 33- 31475, 33-59674, 33-45506, 33-56063 and 333-18473 and CIPSCO Incorporated's previously filed Registration Statement File No. 33-32936. ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP Chicago, Illinois, June 26, 1997 - 30 -