Exhibit 23.2



            Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration
Statements:

      (1)   Registration Statements (Form S-3 Nos. 333-108824 and 333-62700) of
            KCS Energy, Inc.,

      (2)   Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 33-28899) pertaining to the
            Savings and Investment Plan,

      (3)   Registration Statements (Form S-8 Nos. 33-24147 and 33-63982)
            pertaining to the Employee Stock Purchase Programs, and

      (4)   Registration Statement (Form S-8 No.333-67590) pertaining to the
            2001 Employee and Directors Stock Plan;

of our reports dated March 11, 2005, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements of KCS Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries, KCS Energy, Inc. and
subsidiaries management's assessment of the effectiveness of internal control
over financial reporting, and the effectiveness on internal control over
financial reporting of KCS Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries, included in this
Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December, 31, 2004.

                                            /s/  Ernst & Young LLP

Houston, Texas
March 11, 2005