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                                                                Exhibit 23a(CEC)

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                                                               EXHIBIT 23a (CEC)




                                      
                         CENTERIOR ENERGY CORPORATION
                                      
                  CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
                  ------------------------------------------



As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of
our report on the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Centerior
Energy Corporation and subsidiaries dated February 21, 1996, included in this
Form 10-K, into Centerior Energy Corporation's previously filed Registration
Statements, File Nos. 33-9736, 33-47231, 33-49957, 33-58935 and 33-59635.




                                            ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP





Cleveland, Ohio
March 26, 1996