1 Exhibit 23 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following registration statements on Form S-3 and related prospectuses and in the following registration statements on Form S-8 of The Williams Companies, Inc. of our report dated February 10, 1994, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedules of The Williams Companies, Inc. included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1993. Form S-3: Registration No. 33-47061; Registration No. 33-53662; Registration Statement No. 33-49835 Form S-8: Registration No. 2-68810; Registration No. 33-2442; Registration No. 33-24322; Registration No. 33-36770; Registration No. 33-44381; Registration No. 33-40979; Registration No. 33-45550; Registration No. 33-43999; Registration No. 33-51539; Registration No. 33-51543; Registration No. 33-51551; Registration No. 33-51549; Registration No. 33-51547; Registration No. 33-51545 ERNST & YOUNG Tulsa, Oklahoma March 29, 1994