1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23-A




                                     CONSENT


            As independent petroleum and natural gas consultants, we hereby
consent to the filing of this Letter Report dated January 22, 1999 in its
entirety as an Exhibit to the 1998 Annual Report of Columbia Energy Group, to
the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 10-K, and any Registration
Statement of Columbia Energy Group, relating to the issue of securities to the
public during 1997; to the quotation or summarization of portions of this Letter
Report, subject to our approval of the related page(s) of the document(s), in
the 10-K, the Prospectus included in said Registration Statement(s) or the 1998
annual Report to Stockholders; and, subject to approval of the related page(s)
of the document(s), to the use of our name and the reliance upon our authority
as experts in said Annual Report to Stockholders, Form 10-K and Prospectus(es)
and in Part II of said Registration Statement(s). We have no interest of a
substantial or material nature in Columbia Energy Group, or in any affiliate,
nor are we to receive any such interest as payment for the preparation of this
Letter Report; we have not been employed for such preparation on a contingent
fee basis; and we are not connected with Columbia Energy Group, or any affiliate
as a promoter, underwriter, voting trustee, director, officer, employee, or
affiliate.



                                        RYDER SCOTT COMPANY
                                        PETROLEUM ENGINEERS


Houston, Texas
January 22, 1999