EXHIBIT 23
 
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
   As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation
of our reports included in this Form 10-K, into NIPSCO Industries, Inc.'s
previously filed Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 33-30619; Form S-8
Registration Statement No. 33-30621; Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 333-
08263; Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 333-19981; Form S-8 Registration
Statement No. 333-19983; Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 333-19985; Form
S-8 Registration Statement No. 333-59151; Form S-8 Registration Statement No.
333-59153; Form S-3 Registration Statement No. 333-69279; Form S-8
Registration Statement No. 333-72401; Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 333-
72367; and Form S-3 Registration Statement No. 333-26847.
 
 
Chicago, Illinois
March 30, 1999
 
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