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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.7

                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


         As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the
incorporation by reference in this registration statement of our report on the
financial statements of Mills Electrical Contractors, Inc. dated September 11,
1998 included in Integrated Electrical Services, Inc.'s Form 8-K filed on May 7,
1999, and to all references to our Firm included in this registration statement.



ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Houston, Texas
May 27, 1999