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 January 27, 1995 included (or incorporated by reference) in Northwestern Public Service Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994 and to all references to our Firm included in this registration statement. ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP Minneapolis, Minnesota June 20, 1995