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Exhibit 23(b)
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation
by reference in this Form S-3 Registration Statement of Western Resources, Inc.,
regarding the registration of 6,000,000 shares of common stock for the Direct
Stock Purchase Plan, of our report dated March 16, 2000 (except with respect to
the Dividend Policy and Corporate Restructuring discussed in Note 24, as to
which the date is March 28, 2000), included in Western Resources, Inc.'s Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999, and to all references to our Firm
included in this Registration Statement.
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Kansas City, Missouri
August 18, 2000
