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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference of our report dated November 29, 2000, included in this Form 10-K,
into the Powell Industries, Inc. previously filed Form S-8 Registration No.
33-81998.



ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Houston, Texas
January 29, 2001