EXHIBIT 23





                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Prospectus Supplement dated
June 10, 1998 (to Prospectus dated December 30, 1997) of Gulf Power Company (the
"Company"), which is incorporated by reference in Form 8-K of the Company dated
June 10, 1998, of our report dated February 3, 1998 on our audits of the
consolidated financial statements of MBIA Insurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 1997. We also consent to the reference to our Firm under the
caption "Experts" in the Prospectus Supplement.

                                            /s/  Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.


New York, New York
June 12, 1998