EXHIBIT 23.1
                                                             ------------



                  CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
                  -----------------------------------------


   As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the
   incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of our
   reports dated February 5, 1999 included in the Annual Report on 
   Form 10-K for NIPSCO Industries, Inc. for the year ended December 31,
   1998; and our report dated February 5, 1999 included in the Current 
   Report on Form 8-K for NIPSCO Industries, Inc. dated February 8, 1999
   and to all references to our Firm included in this Registration Statement.




                                 /s/     Arthur Andersen LLP
                                 ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

   Chicago, Illinois                                
   April 15, 1999