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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
on the consolidated financial statements of The Cleveland Electric Illuminating 
Company dated February 13, 1998. Such report is included in this registration
statement and in the Company's Form 8-K dated March 16, 1997, which Form 8-K
is incorporated by reference in this registration statement.  We also consent
to the use of our report dated February 14, 1997, included in this registration
statement, and to the incorporation by reference in this registration statement 
of our report dated February 14, 1997, included in the Company's Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 1996, and to all references to our Firm included in
this registration statement.


Arthur Andersen LLP


Cleveland, Ohio
March 17, 1998