EXHIBIT 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-8) pertaining to the 1999 Equitable Resources, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan of our report dated February 25, 1999, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Equitable Resources, Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the Year ended December 31, 1998, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. /s/Ernst & Young LLP Ernst & Young LLP Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania June 25, 1999