EXHIBIT 23.1
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CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the
incorporation by reference in this post-effective amendment No. 11
on Form S-8 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; 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 1, 2000
