EX-23 2 0002.txt CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANT CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of our report dated May 19, 2000 in this Form 11-K into Yankee Energy System, Inc. 401(k) Employee Stock Ownership Plan's previously filed Registration Statement File No. 33-52077. Arthur Andersen LLP Hartford, Connecticut June 26, 2000