EXHIBIT 23a

                  CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCCOUNTANTS

As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of our
report dated January 24, 2001, included in this Form 10-K, into Colonial Gas
Company's previously filed Registration Statement Form S-3, File No. 333-48561.

                                                             ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

New York, New York
April 2, 2001