[PricewaterhouseCoopers Letterhead]
EXHIBIT 23
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-43743) of Central Illinois Public Service Company
of our report dated June 28, 2000 on the financial statements of the Central
Illinois Public Service Company Long-Term Savings Plan, IUOE No. 148 for the
year ended December 31, 1999, which is included in this Form 11-K.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
St. Louis, Missouri
June 28, 2000