Exhibit 10(a)(a)(a)

                              CONSULTATION CONTRACT


        This is an agreement signed this 26th day of January, 1998 between
Roanoke Gas Company ("Company") and John H. Parrott ("Retired Director").
        In consideration of the premises and the mutual promises and covenants
of the parties to this contract, it is agreed as follows:
        1.     Engagement:  The Company agrees to engage the Retired Director 
               and the Retired Director agrees to serve the Company as a 
               consultant.
        2.     Term: The term of this agreement shall commence on February 1,
               1998 and shall continue for ten years until January 31, 2008.
        3.     Services: The Retired Director shall use his best efforts on a
               strictly part-time basis to consult with the Company and help the
               Company on such matters as the Company deems reasonably
               appropriate. By example, the Company may request the Retired
               Director to help the Company improve a business relationship with
               another business in the operating area of the Company, etc.
        4.     Compensation: As compensation for the services to be rendered by
               the Retired Director, the Company shall pay the Retired Director
               compensation at the rate of $7,200.00 per year for each year this
               agreement is in effect, such compensation to be paid on a monthly
               basis on the first day of each month this agreement is in effect.
        5.     Expenses: The Retired Director shall also be entitled to
               reimbursement for all reasonable expenses necessarily incurred by
               him in the performance of his duties upon presentation of a
               voucher indicating the amount and business purposes. Such
               expenses must normally be approved in advance by a person or
               persons designated by the Company.
        6.     Termination: Either party may terminate this agreement upon any
               annual, anniversary date of signing of this agreement. Further,
               this agreement shall be terminated upon the death or complete
               disability of the Retired Director. The foregoing
               notwithstanding, this agreement shall be terminated upon the
               expiration of ten years from the anniversary date of signing of
               this agreement, whether or not the Retired Director is


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               deceased or permanently disabled at that time. Finally, this
               agreement is immediately terminable by the Company, if the
               Retired Director directly or indirectly competes with the Company
               or reveals confidential information of the Company to an
               organization, person or entity which is directly or indirectly
               competing with the Company. Upon any termination under this
               agreement, the Retired Director shall be entitled to compensation
               through the date of termination.
        7.     Successors and Assigns: This agreement shall inure to the benefit
               of and be binding upon the parties hereto, their successors and
               heirs.
        8.     Applicable Law: This agreement shall be governed by the laws of
Virginia.

                                                   ROANOKE GAS COMPANY


                                                   s/Frank A. Farmer 
                                                        President


                                                   s/John H. Parrott 
                                                     Retired Director