Exhibit 23.1




                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS



We consent to the incorporation by reference in this registration statement on
Form S-4 of our report dated February 27, 1995, on our audits of the financial
statements of New England Electric System.  We also consent to the reference to
our firm under the caption "Experts".



                                         s/Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.

                                         COOPERS & LYBRAND, L.L.P.

Boston, Massachusetts
June 1, 1995