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                                                                   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