EXHIBIT 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS AS INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS, WE HEREBY CONSENT TO THE INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE IN THIS FORM 10-K OF OUR REPORT DATED FEBRUARY 9, 2000 INCLUDED IN THE COMPANY'S PREVIOUSLY FILED REGISTRATION STATEMENTS NO. 333-4198 ON FORM S-3; AND NO. 33-92468, NO. 333-36151, NO. 33-83736 AND NO. 333-87277 ON FORM S-8 AND POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO FORM S-8 OF TRIGEN ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1999. ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT MARCH 29, 2000