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                                  SCHEDULE 14A
                                   (RULE 14a)
                    INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
                            SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
          PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF THE SECURITIES
                              EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
                             (AMENDMENT NO.      )
 
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Check the appropriate box:
 
                                             
[ ]  Preliminary Proxy Statement                [ ]  CONFIDENTIAL, FOR USE OF THE COMMISSION
                                                     ONLY (AS PERMITTED BY RULE 14a-6(e)(2))
[ ]  Definitive Proxy Statement
[x]  Definitive Additional Materials
[ ]  Soliciting Material Pursuant to sec.240.14a-11(c) or sec.240.14a-12


 
                             OHIO EDISON COMPANY
                (NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
 
                                XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
    (NAME OF PERSON(S) FILING PROXY STATEMENT, IF OTHER THAN THE REGISTRANT)
 
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         pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the
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[OHIO EDISON LOGO]                                            76 South Main St.
The Energy Makers                                            Akron, Ohio  44308

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Willard R. Holland
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer          


                                                February 28, 1997


Dear Fellow Shareholder:

        A few weeks ago we sent you proxy material for our proposed merger with
Centerior Energy under a new holding company called FIRSTENERGY CORP.

        YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND MANAGEMENT TEAM RECOMMEND THAT SHAREHOLDERS
VOTE FOR THE MERGER.

        We are confident that combining Ohio Edison and Centerior Energy under
FirstEnergy will create a stronger, more competitive utility that will add
value to your investment.  That's because FirstEnergy is a natural alliance -
providing opportunities to eliminate duplicative costs, maximize efficiencies
and increase your management team's flexibility to effectively compete in our
rapidly changing energy business.

        Approval of the merger requires the affirmative vote of at least
two-thirds of all outstanding shares of common stock, which makes every
shareholder's vote especially important.  That's why I am writing to you. 
According to our records, we have not received your proxy card.

        WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT.  It is also important to realize that not voting
or abstaining both have the effect of voting against the merger. Please take a
few moments to sign, date and return the proxy card in the enclosed
postage-paid envelope.  By doing so, you will save your company the expense of
further solicitation while ensuring that your vote is represented at the
special meeting that will be held on March 27, 1997, at the John S. Knight
Center in Akron, Ohio.

        If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call our special toll-free
number, 1-800-631-8945, to reach a representative of Investor Services or
Georgeson & Company Inc., which is assisting us with proxy solicitation.

                                                Sincerely,