Exhibit 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS ----------------------------------------- As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this registration statement on Form S-4 of our report dated February 29, 1999 included in the Northeast Utilities Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and to all references to our Firm included in this registration statement. Hartford, Connecticut Arthur Anderson LLP August 13, 1999