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Exhibit 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Post-Effective
Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement of Midcoast Energy Resources, Inc.
on Form S-8 (No. 333-33127) of our report dated March 18, 1999 relating to the
financial statements and financial statement schedules, which appears in
Midcoast Energy Resources' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1999, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March
30, 2000.
HEIN + ASSOCIATES LLP
Houston, Texas
July 12, 2000