Exhibit 23.1 CONSENT OF PRICEWATERHOUSE COOPERS LLP We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-8 of our report dated January 28, 1999 relating to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules, which appears in BEC Energy's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998. /s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP August 17, 1999