EXHIBIT (23)iii

                          CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP






We consent to the incorporation by reference in the previously filed
Registration Statements (Form S-8 Nos. 33-28899, 33-63982, and 333-67590, and
Form S-3 No. 333-62700) of our report dated March 27, 2003, with respect to the
consolidated financial statements of KCS Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries included
in this annual report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2002.







Houston, Texas
March 27, 2003