Exhibit (23)(a) CONSENT OF EXPERTS Southern Indiana Gas and Electric Company As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-3 of our report, dated January 29, 1999, included in Southern Indiana Gas and Electric Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998, and to all references to our firm included in or made part of this Registration Statement. ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP Chicago, Illinois Date: July 1, 1999 /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP ----------------------------------------