[EXHIBIT 24a TO COLONIAL GAS COMPANY FORM 10-K FOR YEAR ENDING 12/31/93] CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS We have issued our reports dated January 18, 1994 accompanying the consolidated financial statements and schedules incorporated by reference or included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Colonial Gas Company and subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 1993. We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference of said reports in the Colonial Gas Company Registration Statements on Forms S-8, as amended (File No. 33- 34068, File No. 33-34066, File No. 33-34067 and File No. 33- 44427) and Form S-16, as amended on Form S-3 (File No. 2-93005). GRANT THORNTON Boston, Massachusetts March 18, 1994 [END OF EXHIBIT 24a TO COLONIAL GAS COMPANY FORM 10-K FOR YEAR ENDING 12/31/93]