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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.3


We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-3, filed on or about December 20, 2001) and
related Prospectus of Atmos Energy Corporation for the registration of
$600,000,000 of debt securities and common stock and to the incorporation by
reference therein of our report dated November 2, 2001, with respect to the
consolidated financial statements and the related financial statement schedule
of Atmos Energy Corporation included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the
year ended September 30, 2001, filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.

                                                         /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

                                                         Ernst & Young LLP

Dallas, Texas
December 17, 2001

