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                                                                   EXHIBIT 23.01
 
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
     As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation
of our report dated February 7, 1997, incorporated by reference in this Form
10-K, into Southwest Gas Corporation's previously filed registration statements
on Form S-8 (File No. 33-58135), Form S-3 (File No. 33-58137), Form S-3 (File
No. 333-14605), and Form S-3 (File No. 333-17667).
 
                                          ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
Las Vegas, Nevada
March 25, 1997