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                                                                  Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this registration statement of our report dated January 26, 2000
included in Black Hills Corporation'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

Minneapolis, Minnesota,
December 21, 2000



