Exhibit 23.1 
                        Consent of Independent Auditors 


     As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the
incorporation 
by  reference  in this registration statement of our report dated
November 24, 
1993  included  in  Washington Energy Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for 
the  year  ended September 30, 1993 and to all references to our
firm included 
in this registration statement. 





Seattle, Washington 
August 19, 1994