PINEVILLE, La., Aug. 29, 2001 — Officials with Cleco Power LLC, the regulated utility subsidiary of Cleco Corp., and the city of Natchitoches today signed a contract calling for Cleco Power to supply all of the city's power needs for the next five years.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2002, Cleco Power will provide all of the electricity required to meet the demands of the city's 7,600 customers. The wholesale contract will add approximately 68 megawatts of load to Cleco's system. The city will continue to own and operate its 55-megawatt natural gas-fired power plant, which will continue to contribute to the electric resources serving Natchitoches.

Cleco Power's offer was approved by the Natchitoches City Council on Aug. 27. Cleco Power was one of six companies that submitted proposals to the city.

Cleco Corp. President and CEO David Eppler said, "We look forward to serving the energy needs of Natchitoches residents. Our record as Louisiana's most reliable power supplier and the competitive prices we offer were the real keys to helping us secure this contract."

Natchitoches Mayor Wayne McCullen said, "The execution of this new contract helps ensure Natchitoches customers stable, competitive rates through a dependable provider.

"Cleco has a history of serving as a strong community partner, and through this agreement, the city of Natchitoches will have access to technical assistance, consulting and other services. We believe this agreement will prove beneficial for everyone involved," McCullen said.

Cleco Corp. is a regional energy services company headquartered in Pineville, La., with more than 3,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity in operation or under construction. Cleco has an unregulated midstream energy business that develops and operates energy assets in Louisiana and Texas and a regulated electric utility company that serves about 250,000 customers across Louisiana. For more information, visit http://www.cleco.com .

SOURCE: Cleco Power LLC