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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 of our reports dated July 14, 2000
(except with respect to the "Stock Split" discussed in Note 2, as to which
the date is September 12, 2000) related to the financial statements of TNPC,
Inc. and June 12, 2000 (except with respect to Note 7, which date is July 31,
2000) related to the financial statements of Columbia Energy Mass Markets
Business Segment included in TNPC Inc.'s prospectus filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) on October 5, 2000 and to all
references to our Firm included in this registration statement.
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Houston, Texas
October 19, 2000
