Exhibit 23(a).  Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP

Consent of Independent Public Accountant

As independent  public  accountants,  we hereby consent to the  incorporation by
reference  of our report dated  February 9, 1998,  included in this Form 11-K of
Southwestern  Public Service Company Employee Investment Plan for the year ended
August 31, 1997, into the Company's previously filed Registration  Statement No.
333-28639 of New Century Energies,  Inc. on Form S-8 and Registration  Statement
Nos.  33-57869 and 33-27452 of Southwestern  Public Service Company on Forms S-8
and Registration  Statement No. 333-05199 of Southwestern Public Service Company
on Form S-3.

Arthur Andersen LLP

Denver, Colorado
February 27, 1998


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Exhibit 23(b).  Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP

Independent Auditors' Consent

We consent to the  incorporation  by reference  in  Registration  Statement  No.
333-28639 of New Century Energies,  Inc. on Form S-8 and Registration Statements
No.  33-57869 and 33-27452 of  Southwestern  Public Service Company on Form S-8
and Registration  Statement No. 333-05199 of Southwestern Public Service Company
on Form S-3,  respectively,  of our report dated November 15, 1996, appearing in
this Annual Report on Form 11-K of Southwestern  Public Service Company Employee
Investment Plan for the year ended August 31, 1996.

Deloitte & Touche LLP

Dallas, Texas
February 27, 1998


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