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