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EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this registration statement on Form S-3 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; our report dated August 9, 2000 included in the quarterly report on
Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2000; and our report dated October 30,
2000 included in the quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended
September 30, 2000; and to all references to our Firm included in this
registration statement.
/s/Arthur Andersen LLP
Chicago, Illinois
November 3, 2000
