Exhibit 23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following registration statements on Form S-3 and related prospectuses of The Williams Companies, Inc. and in the following registration statements on Form S-8 of our reports dated February 23, 2009, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of The Williams Companies, Inc. and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of The Williams Companies, Inc., included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2008:

     Form S-3:

          Registration Statement Nos. 333-29185, 333-106504, and 333-134293

     Form S-8:

          Registration No. 33-58671 — The Williams Companies, Inc. Stock Plan for Nonofficer Employees

          Registration No. 333-03957 — The Williams Companies, Inc. 1996 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors

          Registration No. 333-11151 — The Williams Companies, Inc. 1996 Stock Plan

          Registration No. 333-40721 — The Williams Companies, Inc. 1996 Stock Plan for Nonofficer Employees

          Registration No. 333-51994 — The Williams Companies, Inc. 1996 Stock Plan for Nonofficer Employees

          Registration No. 333-85542 — The Williams Investment Plus Plan

          Registration No. 333-85546 — The Williams Companies, Inc. 2002 Incentive Plan

          Registration No. 333-142985 — The Williams Companies, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP  

Tulsa, Oklahoma
February 23, 2009