Exhibit 23.3


                            CONSENT OF SG BARR DEVLIN


         We hereby consent to the use of our opinion in the Proxy Statement/
Prospectus of Yankee Energy System, Inc. included in this Registration
Statement of Northeast Utilities and to all references to our firm included
in or made a part of this Registration Statement. In giving such consent, we
do not thereby admit that we come within the category of persons whose
consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, or the rules and regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange
Commission thereunder.

                                  SG BARR DEVLIN
                                  A division of SG Cowen Securities Corporation


New York, New York
August 4, 1999