1
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
     We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-3, No. 333-          ), and related Prospectus of
The Williams Companies, Inc. for the registration of preferred securities and to
the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated February 9, 1996,
with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedules of The
Williams Companies, Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year
ended December 31, 1995, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
                                          ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
Tulsa, Oklahoma
January 31, 1997