1




                                                                    Exhibit 23.1









                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS




As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this registration statement of our reports dated February 16, 2001,
included or incorporated by reference in The Cleveland Electric Illuminating
Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 and to all references
to our Firm included in this registration statement.

                                                             ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP


Cleveland, Ohio,
July 9, 2001.