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. Non-Employee Directors' Stock 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