EXHIBIT 16


May 20, 2002


Office of the Chief Accountant
Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20549


Dear Sir/Madam:

We have read paragraphs two through four of Item 4 included in the Form 8-K/A
dated May 17, 2002 of Southern Indiana Gas and Electric Company filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission and are in agreement with the statements
contained therein.


Very truly yours,


Arthur Andersen LLP


cc:      Jerome A. Benkert, Jr.
         Executive Vice President and
         Chief Financial Officer
         Southern Indiana Gas and Electric Company