EXHIBIT 23.01

                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


         As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the
incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-3 of our
report dated March 2, 2001 included in Xcel Energy Inc.'s Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000, relating to the consolidated
financial statements of Xcel Energy Inc., and to all references to our Firm
included in this Registration Statement.


ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP


Minneapolis, Minnesota
February 7, 2002