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 2, 1996
included in the IES Industries Inc. Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1995 and to all references to our Firm included in this registration statement.



                                   ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP



Chicago, Illinois,
July 11, 1996