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                                                                  Ehibit 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 report dated February 14, 1997
included in The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 1996, and our report dated February 14, 1997 included in The
Toledo Edison Company Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996. We also
consent to the use of our reports included in this registration statement, and
to all references to our Firm included in this registration statement.


                                             ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Cleveland, Ohio
   September 16, 1997