EXHIBIT 23(A)


                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


          As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the
     incorporation by reference in this registration statement of our report
     dated January 23, 1997 incorporated by reference in MDU Resources Group,
     Inc.'s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, and to all
     references to our Firm included in this registration statement.



                                        /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP

                                        ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP



     Minneapolis, Minnesota
     May 27, 1997