<ARTICLE> UT
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
related Form 10-Q financial statements for The Cleveland Electric
Illuminating Company and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such
financial statements. (Amounts in 1,000's). Income tax expense includes
$9,944,000 related to other income.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000020947
<NAME> THE CLEVELAND ELECTRIC ILLUMINATING COMPANY
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<CURRENCY> U.S. DOLLARS

                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1999
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1999
<EXCHANGE-RATE>                                      1
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<TOTAL-NET-UTILITY-PLANT>                    3,027,521
<OTHER-PROPERTY-AND-INVEST>                    687,551
<TOTAL-CURRENT-ASSETS>                         389,085
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<COMMON>                                       931,962
<CAPITAL-SURPLUS-PAID-IN>                            0
<RETAINED-EARNINGS>                             71,996
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<OTHER-INCOME-NET>                               6,489
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