1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 23(b)

                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS



         As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the
incorporation of our reports included or incorporated by reference in this Form
10-K, into Consumers Energy Company's previously filed Registration Statement
No. 333-89363.



/s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Detroit, Michigan,
   March 23, 2001.