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                                                                      EXHIBIT 23





INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT



We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No.
2-74613 on Form S-16 and Registration Statement 33-66974 on Form S-8 of Mobile
Gas Service Corporation of our report dated October 31, 1995, appearing in this
Annual Report on Form 10-K of Mobile Gas Service Corporation for the year ended
September 30, 1995.


/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP  
- -------------------------
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP



Mobile, Alabama
December 22, 1995