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                                                                       EXHIBIT 2

                      [LETTERHEAD OF ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP]

                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of
our report dated April 23, 1999 included in this Form 11-K relating to the U.S.
Generating Company 401(k) Profit- Sharing Plan for Bargaining Unit Employees,
into PG&E Corporation's previously filed Registration Statement File Nos.
333-69437.


ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP


Washington, D.C.
June 23, 1999
