CNL Cleco Corp.

The Board of Directors of Cleco Corporation (NYSE: CNL) today declared regular quarterly dividends on the Company's common stock and preferred stock. Following is a summary of dividend payments, as declared:

                      Dividend         Record             Payment
Class of Stock        Declared          Date               Date

Common Stock           $0.225    February 9, 2009    February 16, 2009

4.5% Preferred Stock   $1.125    February 16, 2009   March 2, 2009

The Company has a dividend reinvestment plan which allows dividends on its common and preferred stock to be reinvested in additional shares of common stock at market price. Brokerage commissions and administrative fees are incurred on dividend purchases.

Cleco Corp. is a regional energy company headquartered in Pineville, La. It operates a regulated electric utility company that serves about 273,000 customers across Louisiana. Cleco also operates a wholesale energy business with approximately 1,350 megawatts of name plate capacity. For more information about Cleco, visit www.cleco.com.

Investor Contacts: Cleco Corporation: Ryan Gunter (318) 484-7724 Shareholder Services: Rodney Hamilton (318) 484-7593 Media Contact: Cleco Corporation Fran Phoenix (318) 484-7467