EXHIBIT 23(a)


                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this registration statement of our report dated February 6, 1997,
included in the New Century Energies, Inc. Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 1996, our report dated February 24, 1997, included in Public Service Company
of Colorado's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, and to the use in
this registration statement of our report dated December 11, 1995, included in
the NCE Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and Registration Statement on Form S-4,
covering the balance sheet of New Century Energies, Inc. as of October 31, 1995,
and to all references to our Firm included in this registration statement.


Denver, Colorado                                     /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
June 6, 1997