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 our reports dated February 8, 1996,
included or incorporated by reference in Ohio Edison  Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended  December 31, 1995,  and to all  references  to our
Firm included in this registration statement.


                                          ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP


Cleveland, Ohio
June 5, 1996