EXHIBIT 23.1
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                     CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


   As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the
   incorporation by reference in this post-effective amendment No. 7 on
   Form S-3 to Form S-4 of our reports dated February 18, 2000 (except
   with respect to the Note "Announcement of Merger Agreement with
   Columbia Energy Group," as to which the date is February 28, 2000)
   included in or incorporated by reference in the annual report on
   Form 10-K for NiSource Inc. for the year ended December 31, 1999; our
   report dated May 2, 2000 included in the quarterly report on Form 10-Q
   for the period ended March 31, 2000; and our report dated August 9, 2000
   included in the quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended
   June 30, 2000; and to all references to our Firm included in this
   registration statement.



   /s/Arthur Andersen LLP

   Chicago, Illinois
   October 24, 2000