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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1


                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

   
We consent to the inclusion in this registration statement on Form S-1 (File
No. 333-25719) of our report dated March 21, 1997 on our audits of the
consolidated financial statements of Continental Natural Gas, Inc. and 
Subsidiaries. We also consent to the reference to our firm under the caption 
"Independent Public Accountants."
    



                                /s/ COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
                                COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.

   
Tulsa, Oklahoma
June 26, 1997