Exhibit 23(a)


CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the
incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of
Central Power and Light Company on Form S-3 of our report dated
February 28, 1997 incorporated by reference in the Annual Report
on Form 10-K of Central Power and Light Company for the year
ended December 31, 1996, and to the reference to us under the
headings "Selected Financial Information" and "Experts" in the
Prospectus, included in or made a part of this Registration
Statement.


                                            /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP

April 11, 1997