1 EXHIBIT 23(A) CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our report dated February 14, 1994 (except with respect to the matter discussed in Note 15, as to which the date is March 25, 1994) included in this Registration Statement and to the incorporation by reference of our report contained in The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993 and to all references to our Firm included in and incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement. ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP Arthur Andersen LLP Cleveland, Ohio September 16, 1994