EXHIBIT 23.01





                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS



The Board of Directors
El Paso Electric Company:

We consent to incorporation by reference in the registration statements (Nos.
333-17971 and 333-82129) on Form S-8 of El Paso Electric Company of our report
dated February 11, 2000, relating to the balance sheets of El Paso Electric
Company as of December 31, 1999 and 1998 and the related statements of
operations, comprehensive operations, changes in common stock equity, and cash
flows for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, which report appears
in the December 31, 1999 annual report on the Form 10-K of El Paso Electric
Company.



                                   KPMG LLP


El Paso, Texas
March 21, 2000


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