EXHIBIT 23.4

                   Consent of Independent Public Accountants

   As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-4 of our report included in
the Annual Report on Form 10-KSB of Virginia Gas Company for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1999 (as amended on May 1, 2000) and to all references to
our firm in this Registration Statement.

ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Richmond, Virginia
September 15, 2000