CNL Cleco Corp.

Cleco Corp. (NYSE: CNL) claimed this year's Edison Electric Institute (EEI) Index Award for exceptional shareholder return in the small market capitalization category. The company showed a 76.3 percent return for the five-year period ending Sept. 30, 2009.

"This award is a testament to the skill and commitment level of our employees, who remained focused on achieving strategic goals," said Cleco President and CEO Mike Madison, who accepted the award at the 44th EEI Financial Conference Nov. 2 in Florida. "One major strategic goal is the construction of the largest power generator in our company's history, which at its completion will double our rate base. This will allow us to continue to provide outstanding returns to our shareholders and to reduce our average customer's bill."

The EEI Index is a peer group index that values total return on member electric utilities, providing a benchmark for long-term financial performance.

According to EEI president Tom Kuhn, "Not only is Cleco's five-year achievement impressive, but the company's unique track record of five consecutive years with positive returns also sends a message of consistency to investors." The EEI is an association of US shareholder-owned electric companies which represents approximately 70 percent of the US electric power industry.

Cleco Corp. is a regional energy company headquartered in Pineville, La. It operates a regulated electric utility company that serves 276,000 customers across Louisiana. Cleco also operates a wholesale energy business with approximately 1,350 megawatts of nameplate generating capacity. For more information about Cleco, visit www.cleco.com.

Investor Contacts: Cleco Corp. R. Russell Davis (318) 484-7501 Rodney J. Hamilton (318) 484-7593 Media Contact: Cleco Corp. Tatum L. Dutile (318) 484-7174