1 Exhibit 23 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of Fall River Gas Company As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement on Form S-3, File No. 333-13995 of our reports dated November 19, 1996, included in Fall River Gas company Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 1996, and to all references to our firm included in this registration statement. /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP Boston, Massachusetts December 30, 1996 40