EXHIBIT 23(a)

                              ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP









                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS







As independent  public  accountants,  we hereby consent to the  incorporation by
reference in this Registration  Statement on Form S-3 (relating to Alabama Power
Capital Trust I Preferred Securities,  Alabama Power Company Junior Subordinated
Notes and Alabama Power Company Preferred  Securities  Guarantee) of our reports
on Alabama  Power  Company  dated  February 15, 1995  included in Alabama  Power
Company's  Form 10-K for the year ended  December 31, 1994 and to all references
to our firm included in this Registration Statement.



/s/ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP



Birmingham, Alabama
January 11, 1996