clecocorp10q_aug0107.htm


 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
 
Washington, D.C.  20549
__________________

FORM 10-Q

 
[X]  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2007
 
Or
 
[  ]  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
__________________

Commission file number 1-15759
CLECO CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
   
Louisiana
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
72-1445282
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
   
2030 Donahue Ferry Road, Pineville, Louisiana
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
71360-5226
(Zip Code)
   
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:  (318) 484-7400
 
__________________

Commission file number 1-05663
CLECO POWER LLC
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
   
Louisiana
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
72-0244480
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
   
2030 Donahue Ferry Road, Pineville, Louisiana
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
71360-5226
(Zip Code)
   
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:  (318) 484-7400
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrants: (1) have filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrants were required to file such reports) and (2) have been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes   x      No __
 
Indicate by check mark whether Cleco Corporation is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.  See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):
Large accelerated filer   x                         Accelerated filer                                       Non-accelerated filer          
 
Indicate by check mark whether Cleco Power LLC is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.  See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):
Large accelerated filer                              Accelerated filer                                       Non-accelerated filer     x    
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrants are shell companies (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act)  Yes          No   x  

Number of shares outstanding of each of Cleco Corporation’s classes of Common Stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Registrant
Description of Class
Shares Outstanding at July 31, 2007
     
Cleco Corporation
Common Stock, $1.00 Par Value
59,918,136

Cleco Power LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cleco Corporation, meets the conditions set forth in General Instructions H(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-Q and is therefore filing this Form 10-Q with the reduced disclosure format.




CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 
 
This combined Form 10-Q is separately filed by Cleco Corporation and Cleco Power.  Information in this filing relating to Cleco Power is filed by Cleco Corporation and separately by Cleco Power on its own behalf.  Cleco Power makes no representation as to information relating to Cleco Corporation (except as it may relate to Cleco Power) or any other affiliate or subsidiary of Cleco Corporation.
This report should be read in its entirety as it pertains to each respective Registrant.  The Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements are combined.
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS  
 
PAGE
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
3
DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
5
     
PART I
Financial Information
 
ITEM 1.
Cleco Corporation — Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
7
 
Cleco Power — Condensed Financial Statements
15
 
Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements
20
ITEM 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
39
ITEM 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 
54
ITEM 4.
Controls and Procedures
55
     
PART II
Other Information
 
ITEM 1.
Legal Proceedings
56
ITEM 1A.
Risk Factors
56
ITEM 4.
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
56
ITEM 6.
Exhibits
57
 
Signatures
58

2

CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

References in this filing, including all items in Parts I and II, to “Cleco” mean Cleco Corporation and its subsidiaries, including Cleco Power, and references to “Cleco Power” mean Cleco Power LLC, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Additional abbreviations or acronyms used in this filing, including all items in Parts I and II are defined below:

ABBREVIATION OR ACRONYM
DEFINITION
401(k) Plan
Cleco Power 401(k) Savings and Investment Plan
Acadia
 
Acadia Power Partners, LLC and its 1,160-MW combined-cycle, natural gas-fired power plant near Eunice, Louisiana, 50% owned by APH and 50% owned by a subsidiary of Calpine
AFUDC
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction
Amended EPC Contract
Amended and Restated EPC Contract between Cleco Power and Shaw, executed on May 12, 2006, to engineer, design, and construct Rodemacher Unit 3
APB
Accounting Principles Board
APB Opinion No. 10
Consolidated Financial Statements, Poolings of Interest, Convertible Debt and Debt Issued with Stock Warrants Installment Method of Accounting
APH
Acadia Power Holdings LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Midstream
Attala
 
Attala Transmission LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cleco Corporation.  Prior to February 1, 2007, Attala was a wholly owned subsidiary of Midstream
Bear Energy LP
A wholly owned subsidiary of Bear Stearns Companies, Inc.
Bear Stearns Companies, Inc.
The parent company of Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc.
Bidding Procedures Order
 
Bidding Procedures Order, in connection with the sale of CAH’s interest in Acadia, approved by the Calpine Debtors Bankruptcy Court by order dated May 9, 2007
CAH
Calpine Acadia Holdings
Calpine
Calpine Corporation
Calpine Debtors
Calpine, CES, and certain other Calpine subsidiaries
Calpine Debtors Bankruptcy Court
U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York
Calpine Tolling Agreements
Capacity Sale and Tolling Agreements between Acadia and CES which were suspended in March 2006
CCN
Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity
CES
Calpine Energy Services, L.P.
Claims Settlement Agreement
Claims Settlement Agreement, dated April 23, 2007, by and among Calpine, CAH, CES, Acadia, and APH
Cleco Energy
Cleco Energy LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Midstream
Cleco Innovations LLC
A wholly owned subsidiary of Cleco Corporation
Compliance Plan
The three-year plan included in the Consent Agreement in FERC Docket IN03-1-000
Consent Agreement
Stipulation and Consent Agreement, dated as of July 25, 2003, between Cleco and the FERC Staff
Diversified Lands
Diversified Lands LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cleco Innovations LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cleco Corporation
EITF
Emerging Issues Task Force of the FASB
EITF No. 06-11
Accounting for Income Tax Benefits of Dividends on Share-Based Payment Awards
EITF No. 07-3
Accounting for Nonrefundable Advance Payments for Goods or Services to Be Used in Future Research and Development Activities
Entergy
Entergy Corporation
Entergy Gulf States
Entergy Gulf States, Inc.
Entergy Louisiana
Entergy Louisiana, Inc.
Entergy Mississippi
Entergy Mississippi, Inc.
Entergy Services
Entergy Services, Inc., as agent for Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Gulf States
EPA
United States Environmental Protection Agency
EPC
Engineering, Procurement, and Construction
ERO
Electric Reliability Organization
ESOP
Cleco Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Plan
ESPP
Cleco Corporation Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Evangeline
 
Cleco Evangeline LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Midstream, and its 775-MW combined-cycle, natural gas-fired power plant located in Evangeline Parish, Louisiana
Evangeline Tolling Agreement
Capacity Sale and Tolling Agreement between Evangeline and Williams which expires in 2020
FASB
Financial Accounting Standards Board
FERC
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
FIN
FASB Interpretation No.
FIN 39
Offsetting of Amounts Related to Certain Contracts – an interpretation of APB Opinion No. 10 and FASB Statement No. 105
FIN 45
Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness to Others
FIN 46R
Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities – an Interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51 (revised December 2003)
FIN 48
Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109
FSP
FASB Staff Position
 
3

CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 
 
ABBREVIATION OR ACRONYM
DEFINITION
FSP FIN 48-1
Definition of Settlement in FASB Interpretation No. 48
FSP No. FIN 39-1
Amendment of FASB Interpretation No. 39
ICT
Independent Coordinator of Transmission
Interconnection Agreement
Interconnection Agreement and Real Estate Agreement between Attala and Entergy Mississippi
IRS
Internal Revenue Service
IRP
Integrated Resource Planning
kWh
Kilowatt-hour(s) as applicable
LIBOR
London Inter-Bank Offer Rate
Lignite Mining Agreement
Dolet Hills Mine Lignite Mining Agreement, dated as of May 31, 2001
LPSC
Louisiana Public Service Commission
LTICP
Cleco Corporation Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan
MAI
Mirant Americas, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Mirant Corporation
Midstream
Cleco Midstream Resources LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cleco Corporation
Moody’s
Moody’s Investors Service
MW
Megawatt(s) as applicable
NOPR
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
Not meaningful
A percentage comparison of these items is not statistically meaningful because the percentage difference is greater than 1,000%
PEH
Perryville Energy Holdings LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Midstream
Perryville
Perryville Energy Partners, L.L.C., a wholly owned subsidiary of Cleco Corporation.  Prior to February 1, 2007, Perryville was a wholly owned subsidiary of PEH
Power Purchase Agreement
Power Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 28, 2004, between Perryville and Entergy Services
Registrant(s)
Cleco Corporation and Cleco Power
RFP
Request for Proposal
Rodemacher Unit 3
A 600-MW solid fuel generating unit under construction by Cleco Power at its existing Rodemacher plant site in Boyce, Louisiana
RSP
Rate Stabilization Plan
RTO
Regional Transmission Organization
Sale Agreement
Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of January 28, 2004, between Perryville and Entergy Louisiana
SEC
Securities and Exchange Commission
Senior Loan Agreement
Construction and Term Loan Agreement, dated as of June 7, 2001, between Perryville and KBC Bank N.V., as Agent Bank
SERP
Cleco Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
SFAS
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
SFAS No. 71
Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation
SFAS No. 109
Accounting for Income Taxes
SFAS No. 123(R)
Share-Based Payment
SFAS No. 131
Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information
SFAS No. 133
Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
SFAS No. 140
Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities
SFAS No. 149
Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
SFAS No. 155
Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments - an amendment of FASB Statements No. 133 and 140
SFAS No. 156
Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets - an amendment of FASB Statement No. 140
SFAS No. 157
Fair Value Measurements
SFAS No. 159
The Fair Value Option For Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities – Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115
Shaw
Shaw Constructors, Inc., a subsidiary of The Shaw Group Inc.
Subordinated Loan Agreement
Subordinated Loan Agreement, dated as of August 23, 2002, between Perryville and MAI
Support Group
Cleco Support Group LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cleco Corporation
SWEPCO
Southwestern Electric Power Company
Tenaska
Tenaska Power Services Company
VaR
Value-at-risk
Williams
Williams Power Company, Inc.

4

CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 

DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes “forward-looking statements” about future events, circumstances, and results.  All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this Quarterly Report are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding the construction, timing and cost of Rodemacher Unit 3; Acadia settlement agreement between Cleco and Calpine; future capital expenditures; and future environmental regulations.  Although the Registrants believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, such forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions (some of which may prove to be incorrect) and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the Registrants’ expectations.  In addition to any assumptions and other factors referred to specifically in connection with these forward-looking statements, the following list identifies some of the factors that could cause the Registrants’ actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in any of the Registrants’ forward-looking statements:
 
§  
Factors affecting utility operations, such as unusual weather conditions or other natural phenomena; catastrophic weather-related damage (such as hurricanes and other storms); unscheduled generation outages; unanticipated maintenance or repairs; unanticipated changes to fuel costs, cost of and reliance on natural gas as a component of Cleco’s generation fuel mix and their impact on competition and franchises, fuel supply costs or availability constraints due to higher demand, shortages, transportation problems or other developments; environmental incidents; or power transmission system constraints;
 
§  
Cleco Corporation’s holding company structure and its dependence on the earnings, dividends, or distributions from its subsidiaries to meet its debt obligations and pay dividends on its common stock;
 
§  
Cleco Power’s ability to construct, operate, and maintain, within its projected costs (including financing) and timeframe, Rodemacher Unit 3, in addition to any other self-build projects identified in future IRP and RFP processes;
 
§  
Dependence of Cleco Power for energy from sources other than its facilities and the uncertainty of future long-term sources of such additional energy;
 
§  
Nonperformance by and creditworthiness of counterparties under tolling, power purchase, and energy service agreements, or the restructuring of those agreements, including possible termination;
 
§  
Ultimate outcome of the sale of the CAH Assets, and the ability of Cleco and the ultimate purchaser of the CAH Assets to work together to bring maximum value to Acadia;
 
§  
The final amount of storm restoration costs and storm reserve, if any, approved by the LPSC and the method through which such amounts can be recovered from Cleco Power’s customers;
 
§  
The final amount of recoverable lignite costs, as approved by the LPSC, that are currently deferred by Cleco Power;
 
§  
Regulatory factors such as changes in rate-setting policies, recovery of investments made under traditional regulation, the frequency and timing of rate increases or decreases, the results of periodic fuel audits, the results of IRP and RFP processes, the formation of RTOs and ICTs, and the establishment by an ERO of reliability standards for bulk power systems and compliance with these standards by Cleco Power, Acadia, Attala, Evangeline, and Perryville;
 
§  
Financial or regulatory accounting principles or policies imposed by the FASB, the SEC, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the FERC, the LPSC or similar entities with regulatory or accounting oversight;
 
§  
Economic conditions, including the ability of customers to continue paying for high energy costs, related growth and/or down-sizing of businesses in Cleco’s service area, monetary fluctuations, changes in commodity prices, and inflation rates;
 
§  
Credit ratings of Cleco Corporation, Cleco Power, and Evangeline;
 
§  
Changing market conditions and a variety of other factors associated with physical energy, financial transactions, and energy service activities, including, but not limited to, price, basis, credit, liquidity, volatility, capacity, transmission, interest rates, and warranty risks;
 
§  
Acts of terrorism;
 
§  
Availability or cost of capital resulting from changes in Cleco’s business or financial condition, interest rates or market perceptions of the electric utility industry and energy-related industries;
 
§  
Employee work force factors, including work stoppages and changes in key executives;
 
§  
Legal, environmental, and regulatory delays and other obstacles associated with mergers, acquisitions, capital projects, reorganizations, or investments in joint ventures;
 
§  
Costs and other effects of legal and administrative proceedings, settlements, investigations, claims and other matters;
 
§  
Changes in federal, state, or local legislative requirements, tax laws or rates, regulating policies or environmental laws and regulations; and
 
§  
Ability of Cleco Power to recover, from its retail customers, the costs of compliance with environmental laws and regulations.
 
For additional discussion of these factors and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in the Registrants’ forward-looking statements, please read “Risk Factors” in this report, as well as the Registrants’ Combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.
 
5

CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 
 
All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Registrants or persons acting on their behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the factors identified above.
The Registrants undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of changes in actual results, changes in assumptions, or other factors affecting such statements.

6

CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 
 
PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 
ITEM 1.    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
Cleco Corporation
These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with Cleco Corporation’s Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes included in the Registrants’ Combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.  For more information on the basis of presentation, see “Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements — Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Basis of Presentation.”

7

CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 
 
CLECO CORPORATION

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)      
 
 FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 
(THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
2007
   
2006
 
Operating revenue
           
Electric operations
  $
251,909
    $
241,286
 
Other operations
   
7,971
     
7,929
 
Affiliate revenue
   
1,621
     
1,737
 
Operating revenue
   
261,501
     
250,952
 
Operating expenses
               
Fuel used for electric generation
   
51,312
     
57,990
 
Power purchased for utility customers
   
115,592
     
97,696
 
Other operations
   
24,722
     
25,765
 
Maintenance
   
14,939
     
14,221
 
Depreciation
   
19,990
     
15,714
 
Taxes other than income taxes
   
9,867
     
10,150
 
Total operating expenses
   
236,422
     
221,536
 
Operating income
   
25,079
     
29,416
 
Interest income
   
2,589
     
1,943
 
Allowance for other funds used during construction
   
7,032
     
1,372
 
Equity income from investees
   
71,282
     
15,233
 
Other income
   
582
     
148
 
Other expense
    (416 )     (414 )
Interest charges
               
Interest charges, including amortization of debt expenses, premium and discount, net of capitalized interest
   
14,377
     
11,403
 
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction
    (2,388 )     (493 )
Total interest charges
   
11,989
     
10,910
 
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
   
94,159
     
36,788
 
Federal and state income tax expense
   
30,968
     
13,459
 
Income from continuing operations
   
63,191
     
23,329
 
Discontinued operations
               
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
   
-
      (103 )
Net income
   
63,191
     
23,226
 
Preferred dividends requirements, net of tax
   
12
     
427
 
Net income applicable to common stock
  $
63,179
    $
22,799
 
Average shares of common stock outstanding
               
Basic
   
59,489,725
     
50,053,685
 
Diluted
   
59,798,877
     
52,297,838
 
Basic earnings per share
               
From continuing operations
  $
1.06
    $
0.45
 
Net income applicable to common stock
  $
1.06
    $
0.45
 
Diluted earnings per share
               
From continuing operations
  $
1.05
    $
0.44
 
Net income applicable to common stock
  $
1.05
    $
0.44
 
Cash dividends paid per share of common stock
  $
0.225
    $
0.225
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
               

8

CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 

CLECO CORPORATION

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)      
 
 FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 
(THOUSANDS)
 
2007
   
2006
 
Net income
  $
63,191
    $
23,226
 
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
               
Net unrealized loss from available-for-sale securities (net of tax benefit of $4 in 2007 and $42 in 2006)
    (7 )     (67 )
Postretirement expense component (net of tax benefit of $3 in 2007)
    (2 )    
-
 
Other comprehensive loss
    (9 )     (67 )
Comprehensive income, net of tax
  $
63,182
    $
23,159
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
               

9

CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 

CLECO CORPORATION
 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)      
   
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
 
(THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
2007
   
2006
 
Operating revenue
           
Electric operations
  $
464,929
    $
452,275
 
Other operations
   
17,240
     
14,525
 
Affiliate revenue
   
3,082
     
3,188
 
Gross operating revenue
   
485,251
     
469,988
 
Electric customer credits
   
-
     
4,382
 
Operating revenue, net
   
485,251
     
474,370
 
Operating expenses
               
Fuel used for electric generation
   
106,808
     
106,353
 
Power purchased for utility customers
   
199,739
     
197,527
 
Other operations
   
51,038
     
43,854
 
Maintenance
   
25,181
     
20,153
 
Depreciation
   
40,088
     
31,358
 
Taxes other than income taxes
   
19,667
     
19,734
 
Total operating expenses
   
442,521
     
418,979
 
Operating income
   
42,730
     
55,391
 
Interest income
   
5,157
     
4,435
 
Allowance for other funds used during construction
   
12,163
     
2,041
 
Equity income from investees
   
69,883
     
15,606
 
Other income
   
872
     
373
 
Other expense
    (1,882 )     (859 )
Interest charges
               
Interest charges, including amortization of debt expenses, premium and discount, net of capitalized interest
   
28,034
     
22,579
 
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction
    (4,059 )     (719 )
Total interest charges
   
23,975
     
21,860
 
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
   
104,948
     
55,127
 
Federal and state income tax expense
   
33,111
     
19,573
 
Income from continuing operations
   
71,837
     
35,554
 
Discontinued operations
               
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
   
-
      (190 )
Net income
   
71,837
     
35,364
 
Preferred dividends requirements, net of tax
   
435
     
886
 
Net income applicable to common stock
  $
71,402
    $
34,478
 
Average shares of common stock outstanding
               
Basic
   
58,585,451
     
49,956,429
 
Diluted
   
59,586,444
     
52,095,625
 
Basic earnings per share
               
From continuing operations
  $
1.21
    $
0.68
 
Net income applicable to common stock
  $
1.21
    $
0.68
 
Diluted earnings per share
               
From continuing operations
  $
1.20
    $
0.68
 
Net income applicable to common stock
  $
1.20
    $
0.68
 
Cash dividends paid per share of common stock
  $
0.450
    $
0.450
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
               


10

CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 

CLECO CORPORATION

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)      
   
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
 
(THOUSANDS)
 
2007
   
2006
 
Net income
  $
71,837
    $
35,364
 
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
               
Net unrealized loss from available-for-sale securities (net of tax benefit of $22 in 2007 and $12 in 2006)
    (35 )     (19 )
Postretirement expense component (net of tax benefit of $6 in 2007)
    (4 )    
-
 
Other comprehensive loss
    (39 )     (19 )
Comprehensive income, net of tax
  $
71,798
    $
35,345
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
               

11

CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 

CLECO CORPORATION

 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)            
(THOUSANDS)
 
AT JUNE 30, 2007
 
AT DECEMBER 31, 2006 
Assets
           
Current assets
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $
178,807
    $
192,471
 
Restricted cash
   
-
     
24,361
 
Customer accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $702 in 2007 and $789 in 2006)
   
54,322
     
38,889
 
Accounts receivable – affiliate
   
17,035
     
11,451
 
Other accounts receivable
   
34,173
     
28,708
 
Unbilled revenue
   
22,184
     
18,382
 
Fuel inventory, at average cost
   
43,062
     
43,236
 
Material and supplies inventory, at average cost
   
40,059
     
34,755
 
Risk management assets
   
3,518
     
39
 
Accumulated deferred fuel
   
52,988
     
77,435
 
Cash surrender value of company-/trust-owned life insurance policies
   
27,860
     
26,275
 
Margin deposits
   
6,346
     
18,638
 
Prepayments
   
8,188
     
4,570
 
Regulatory assets - other
   
18,905
     
17,453
 
Other current assets
   
356
     
645
 
Total current assets
   
507,803
     
537,308
 
Property, plant and equipment
               
Property, plant and equipment
   
1,898,696
     
1,892,533
 
Accumulated depreciation
    (902,500 )     (876,747 )
Net property, plant and equipment
   
996,196
     
1,015,786
 
Construction work in progress
   
497,343
     
289,101
 
Total property, plant and equipment, net
   
1,493,539
     
1,304,887
 
Equity investment in investees
   
311,127
     
307,136
 
Prepayments
   
6,984
     
6,515
 
Restricted cash
   
92
     
90
 
Regulatory assets and liabilities – deferred taxes, net
   
107,274
     
94,653
 
Regulatory assets – other
   
186,070
     
192,061
 
Other deferred charges
   
24,598
     
18,454
 
Total assets
  $
2,637,487
    $
2,461,104
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
               

 
(Continued on next page)

12

CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 

CLECO CORPORATION

 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Continued)            
(THOUSANDS)
 
AT JUNE 30, 2007
   
AT DECEMBER 31, 2006 
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
           
Liabilities
           
Current liabilities
           
Long-term debt due within one year
  $
125,000
    $
50,000
 
Accounts payable
   
138,866
     
134,172
 
Retainage
   
1,419
     
12,409
 
Accounts payable – affiliate
   
17,254
     
5,072
 
Customer deposits
   
26,063
     
25,312
 
Provision for rate refund
   
2
     
3,174
 
Taxes accrued
   
63,459
     
49,002
 
Interest accrued
   
25,569
     
8,874
 
Accumulated current deferred taxes, net
   
19,855
     
23,233
 
Risk management liability
   
25,339
     
55,931
 
Regulatory liabilities - other
   
574
     
636
 
Deferred compensation
   
6,058
     
5,350
 
Other current liabilities
   
12,262
     
11,535
 
Total current liabilities
   
461,720
     
384,700
 
Deferred credits
               
Accumulated deferred federal and state income taxes, net
   
355,707
     
436,775
 
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits
   
13,383
     
14,100
 
Regulatory liabilities - other
   
16,306
     
5,827
 
Other deferred credits
   
193,808
     
104,140
 
Total deferred credits
   
579,204
     
560,842
 
Long-term debt, net
   
644,257
     
619,341
 
Total liabilities
   
1,685,181
     
1,564,883
 
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 8)
               
Shareholders’ equity
               
Preferred stock
               
Not subject to mandatory redemption, $100 par value, authorized 1,491,900 shares, issued 10,288 and 200,922 shares at June 30, 2007,
and December 31, 2006, respectively
   
1,029
     
20,092
 
Common shareholders’ equity
               
Common stock, $1 par value, authorized 100,000,000 shares, issued 59,953,898 and 57,605,695 shares and outstanding 59,808,222 and
57,524,498 shares at June 30, 2007, and December 31, 2006, respectively
   
59,808
     
57,524
 
Premium on common stock
   
386,607
     
358,707
 
Retained earnings
   
514,785
     
469,824
 
Treasury stock, at cost, 29,975 and 31,957 shares at June 30, 2007, and December 31, 2006, respectively
    (574 )     (616 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (9,349 )     (9,310 )
Total common shareholders’ equity
   
951,277
     
876,129
 
Total shareholders’ equity
   
952,306
     
896,221
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $
2,637,487
    $
2,461,104
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
               

13

CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 
 
CLECO CORPORATION

 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)      
   
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
 
(THOUSANDS)
 
2007
 
 
2006
 
Operating activities
           
Net income
  $
71,837
    $
35,364
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
   
41,893
     
36,117
 
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment
   
-
      (68 )
Provision for doubtful accounts
   
816
     
1,546
 
Proceeds from sale of bankruptcy settlement claims
   
78,200
     
-
 
Return on equity investment in investee
   
1
     
4,578
 
Income from equity investments
    (69,883 )     (15,606 )
Unearned/deferred compensation expense
   
5,027
     
1,981
 
ESOP expense
   
1,481
     
656
 
Allowance for other funds used during construction
    (12,163 )     (2,041 )
Amortization of investment tax credits
    (717 )     (766 )
Net deferred income taxes
    (3,018 )     (148 )
Deferred fuel costs
    (16,111 )    
11,090
 
(Gain) loss on economic hedges
    (1,229 )    
2,390
 
Cash surrender value of company-/trust-owned life insurance
    (1,015 )     (399 )
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts receivable, net
    (27,194 )    
3,793
 
Accounts and notes receivable, affiliate
    (4,083 )     (7,179 )
Unbilled revenue
    (3,802 )     (5,089 )
Fuel, materials and supplies inventory
    (3,999 )     (29,347 )
Accounts payable
   
410
      (43,147 )
Prepayments
   
1,382
      (505 )
Accounts and notes payable, affiliate
    (3,390 )    
7,538
 
Retainage payable
    (10,990 )    
2,257
 
Customer deposits
   
3,063
     
3,464
 
Regulatory assets and liabilities, net
   
10,431
      (46,083 )
Other deferred accounts
    (7,434 )    
3,277
 
Taxes accrued
   
24,448
     
21,968
 
Interest accrued
   
4,590
     
413
 
Margin deposits
   
12,292
      (20,510 )
Other, net
   
1,664
     
4,309
 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
   
92,507
      (30,147 )
Investing activities
               
Additions to property, plant and equipment
    (220,062 )     (72,362 )
Allowance for other funds used during construction
   
12,163
     
2,041
 
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
   
250
     
429
 
Return of equity investment in investee
   
95
     
1,925
 
Equity investment in investee
    (2,220 )     (7,026 )
Premiums paid on company-/trust-owned life insurance
    (1,263 )     (1,815 )
Transfer of cash from restricted accounts
   
24,359
     
-
 
Net cash used in investing activities
    (186,678 )     (76,808 )
Financing activities
               
Stock issuance costs
    (93 )    
-
 
Conversion of options to common stock
   
7,092
     
2,010
 
Issuance of common stock under the ESOP
   
424
     
814
 
Stock based compensation tax benefit
   
950
     
154
 
Retirement of long-term obligations
    (25,163 )     (10,162 )
Issuance of long-term debt
   
125,000
     
-
 
Deferred financing costs
    (917 )     (787 )
Change in ESOP trust
   
-
     
1,668
 
Dividends paid on preferred stock
    (435 )     (1,336 )
Dividends paid on common stock
    (26,351 )     (22,597 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
   
80,507
      (30,236 )
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (13,664 )     (137,191 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
192,471
     
219,153
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $
178,807
    $
81,962
 
Supplementary cash flow information
               
Interest paid
  $
22,800
    $
21,526
 
Income taxes paid 
  $
15,000
    $
212
 
Supplementary non-cash investing and financing activities
               
Issuance of treasury stock – LTICP and ESOP plans
  $
42
    $
52
 
Issuance of common stock – LTICP/ESOP/ESPP (1)
  $
20,699
    $
3,032
 
Return of equity investment in investee
  $
78,200
    $
-
 
Accrued additions to property, plant and equipment not reported above
  $
53,098
    $
39,976
 
(1)Includes conversion of preferred stock to common stock ($19,063/2007, $1,640/2006)
               
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
               

14

CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 
ITEM 1.    CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
Cleco Power
These unaudited condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with Cleco Power’s Financial Statements and Notes included in the Registrants’ Combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.  For more information on the basis of presentation, see “Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements — Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Basis of Presentation.”

15

CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 

CLECO POWER

Condensed Statements of Income (Unaudited)      
   
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
 
(THOUSANDS)
 
2007
   
2006
 
Operating revenue
           
Electric operations
  $
251,909
    $
241,286
 
Other operations
   
7,922
     
7,883
 
Affiliate revenue
   
515
     
512
 
Operating revenue
   
260,346
     
249,681
 
Operating expenses
               
Fuel used for electric generation
   
51,312
     
57,990
 
Power purchased for utility customers
   
115,592
     
97,696
 
Other operations
   
22,965
     
24,432
 
Maintenance
   
14,270
     
13,591
 
Depreciation
   
19,622
     
15,301
 
Taxes other than income taxes
   
9,584
     
9,887
 
Total operating expenses
   
233,345
     
218,897
 
Operating income
   
27,001
     
30,784
 
Interest income
   
1,060
     
1,793
 
Allowance for other funds used during construction
   
7,032
     
1,372
 
Other income
   
190
     
124
 
Other expense
    (454 )     (300 )
Interest charges
               
Interest charges, including amortization of debt expenses, premium and discount
   
12,014
     
9,417
 
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction
    (2,388 )     (493 )
Total interest charges
   
9,626
     
8,924
 
Income before income taxes
   
25,203
     
24,849
 
Federal and state income taxes
   
6,531
     
7,802
 
Net income
  $
18,672
    $
17,047
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed financial statements.
               

16

CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 

CLECO POWER

Condensed Statements of Income (Unaudited)      
   
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
 
(THOUSANDS)
 
2007
   
2006
 
Operating revenue
           
Electric operations
  $
464,929
    $
452,275
 
Other operations
   
17,182
     
14,432
 
Affiliate revenue
   
1,028
     
1,024
 
Gross operating revenue
   
483,139
     
467,731
 
Electric customer credits
   
-
     
4,382
 
Operating revenue, net
   
483,139
     
472,113
 
Operating expenses
               
Fuel used for electric generation
   
106,808
     
106,353
 
Power purchased for utility customers
   
199,739
     
197,527
 
Other operations
   
48,576
     
42,052
 
Maintenance
   
23,997
     
18,938
 
Depreciation
   
39,383
     
30,526
 
Taxes other than income taxes
   
18,487
     
18,768
 
Total operating expenses
   
436,990
     
414,164
 
Operating income
   
46,149
     
57,949
 
Interest income
   
2,466
     
4,129
 
Allowance for other funds used during construction
   
12,163
     
2,041
 
Other income
   
284
     
190
 
Other expense
    (797 )     (625 )
Interest charges
               
Interest charges, including amortization of debt expenses, premium and discount
   
23,729
     
18,623
 
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction
    (4,059 )     (719 )
Total interest charges
   
19,670
     
17,904
 
Income before income taxes
   
40,595
     
45,780
 
Federal and state income taxes
   
9,647
     
14,859
 
Net income
  $
30,948
    $
30,921
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed financial statements.
               

17

CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 

CLECO POWER

Condensed Balance Sheets (Unaudited)            
(THOUSANDS)
 
AT JUNE 30, 2007
   
AT DECEMBER 31, 2006 
Assets
           
Utility plant and equipment
           
Property, plant and equipment
  $
1,883,499
    $
1,877,850
 
Accumulated depreciation
    (893,585 )     (868,516 )
Net property, plant and equipment
   
989,914
     
1,009,334
 
Construction work in progress
   
496,812
     
288,455
 
Total utility plant, net
   
1,486,726
     
1,297,789
 
Current assets
               
Cash and cash equivalents
   
12,680
     
101,878
 
Restricted cash
   
-
     
24,361
 
Customer accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $702 in 2007 and $789 in 2006)
   
54,322
     
38,889
 
Other accounts receivable
   
33,687
     
28,399
 
Accounts receivable – affiliate
   
1,832
     
2,860
 
Unbilled revenue
   
22,184
     
18,382
 
Fuel inventory, at average cost
   
43,062
     
43,236
 
Material and supplies inventory, at average cost
   
40,059
     
34,755
 
Margin deposits
   
6,346
     
18,638
 
Risk management assets
   
3,518
     
39
 
Prepayments
   
2,874
     
3,713
 
Regulatory assets - other
   
18,905
     
17,453
 
Accumulated deferred fuel
   
52,988
     
77,435
 
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies
   
5,117
     
5,265
 
Other current assets
   
199
     
439
 
Total current assets
   
297,773
     
415,742
 
Prepayments
   
6,984
     
6,515
 
Regulatory assets and liabilities – deferred taxes, net
   
107,274
     
94,653
 
Regulatory assets – other
   
186,070
     
192,061
 
Other deferred charges
   
23,525
     
17,092
 
Total assets
  $
2,108,352
    $
2,023,852
 
Liabilities and member’s equity
               
Member’s equity
  $
677,169
    $
646,404
 
Long-term debt, net
   
644,257
     
519,341
 
Total capitalization
   
1,321,426
     
1,165,745
 
Current liabilities
               
Long-term debt due within one year
   
25,000
     
50,000
 
Accounts payable
   
134,865
     
128,411
 
Accounts payable – affiliate
   
10,016
     
35,469
 
Retainage
   
1,419
     
12,409
 
Customer deposits
   
26,063
     
25,312
 
Provision for rate refund
   
2
     
3,174
 
Taxes accrued
   
18,437
     
19,889
 
Interest accrued
   
21,368
     
7,707
 
Accumulated deferred taxes, net
   
19,772
     
22,582
 
Risk management liability
   
25,339
     
55,931
 
Regulatory liabilities - other
   
574
     
636
 
Other current liabilities
   
9,046
     
7,965
 
Total current liabilities
   
291,901
     
369,485
 
Deferred credits
               
Accumulated deferred federal and state income taxes, net
   
321,014
     
388,570
 
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits
   
13,383
     
14,100
 
Regulatory liabilities - other
   
16,306
     
5,827
 
Other deferred credits
   
144,322
     
80,125
 
Total deferred credits
   
495,025
     
488,622
 
Total liabilities and member’s equity
  $
2,108,352
    $
2,023,852
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed financial statements.
               
 
18

CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 
 
CLECO POWER

 Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)      
   
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
 
(THOUSANDS)
 
2007
   
2006
 
Operating activities
           
Net income
  $
30,948
    $
30,921
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
   
40,901
     
35,010
 
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment
   
-
      (68 )
Provision for doubtful accounts
   
816
     
1,546
 
Unearned/deferred compensation expense
   
2,412
     
978
 
Allowance for other funds used during construction
    (12,163 )     (2,041 )
Amortization of investment tax credits
    (717 )     (766 )
Net deferred income taxes
    (16,589 )     (4,903 )
Deferred fuel costs
    (16,111 )    
11,090
 
(Gain) loss on economic hedges
    (1,229 )    
2,390
 
Cash surrender value of company-owned life insurance
    (75 )     (215 )
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts receivable, net
    (27,016 )    
2,167
 
Accounts and notes receivable, affiliate
   
1,105
      (13,178 )
Unbilled revenue
    (3,802 )     (5,089 )
Fuel, materials and supplies inventory
    (3,999 )     (29,347 )
Prepayments
   
840
      (976 )
Accounts payable
   
2,025
      (38,798 )
Accounts and notes payable, affiliate
    (25,934 )    
19,585
 
Retainage payable
    (10,990 )    
2,257
 
Customer deposits
   
3,063
     
3,464
 
Regulatory assets and liabilities, net
   
10,431
      (46,083 )
Other deferred accounts
    (7,688 )    
2,445
 
Taxes accrued
   
6,134
     
10,966
 
Interest accrued
   
4,189
     
413
 
Margin deposits
   
12,292
      (20,510 )
Other, net
   
1,376
     
2,392
 
Net cash used in operating activities
    (9,781 )     (36,350 )
Investing activities
               
Additions to property, plant and equipment
    (214,642 )     (72,194 )
Allowance for other funds used during construction
   
12,163
     
2,041
 
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
   
250
     
429
 
Premiums paid on company-owned life insurance
    (470 )     (470 )
Transfer of cash from restricted accounts
   
24,361
     
-
 
Net cash used in investing activities
    (178,338 )     (70,194 )
Financing activities
               
Retirement of long-term obligations
    (25,163 )     (10,162 )
Issuance of long-term debt
   
125,000
     
-
 
Deferred financing costs
    (916 )     (595 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
   
98,921
      (10,757 )
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (89,198 )     (117,301 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
101,878
     
183,381
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $
12,680
    $
66,080
 
Supplementary cash flow information
               
Interest paid
  $
19,300
    $
17,983
 
Income taxes paid
  $
-
    $
189
 
Supplementary non-cash investing and financing activities
               
Accrued additions to property, plant and equipment not reported above
  $
53,098
    $
39,976
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed financial statements.
               

19

CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 
 
Index to Applicable Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements of Registrants

Note 1
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Cleco Corporation and Cleco Power
Note 2
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities
Cleco Corporation and Cleco Power
Note 3
Disclosures about Segments
Cleco Corporation
Note 4
Equity Investment in Investees
Cleco Corporation
Note 5
Recent Accounting Standards
Cleco Corporation and Cleco Power
Note 6
Restricted Cash
Cleco Corporation and Cleco Power
Note 7
Electric Customer Credits
Cleco Corporation and Cleco Power
Note 8
Litigation and Other Commitments and Contingencies
Cleco Corporation and Cleco Power
Note 9
Disclosures about Guarantees
Cleco Corporation and Cleco Power
Note 10
Preferred Stock
Cleco Corporation
Note 11
Pension Plan and Employee Benefits
Cleco Corporation and Cleco Power
Note 12
Income Taxes
Cleco Corporation and Cleco Power
Note 13
Deferred Fuel and Purchased Power Costs
Cleco Corporation and Cleco Power
Note 14
Affiliate Transactions
Cleco Corporation and Cleco Power
Note 15
Debt
Cleco Corporation and Cleco Power
Note 16
Calpine Bankruptcy
Cleco Corporation
Note 17
Subsequent Event
Cleco Corporation
 
Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements

 
Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated condensed financial statements of Cleco include the accounts of Cleco and its majority-owned subsidiaries after elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions.
Cleco has adopted the provisions of FIN 46R on its scheduled effective dates.  Through a review of equity interests and other contractual relationships, Cleco has determined that it is not the primary beneficiary of one of its indirect, wholly owned subsidiaries and two of its wholly owned subsidiaries.  Evangeline, Perryville, and Attala are considered variable interest entities.  In accordance with FIN 46R, Cleco reports its investment in these entities on the equity method of accounting.  As a result, the assets and liabilities of these entities are represented by one line item corresponding to Cleco’s equity investment in these entities.  The pre-tax results of operations of these entities are reported as equity income from investees on Cleco Corporation’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.  For additional information on the operations of these entities, see Note 4 — “Equity Investment in Investees.”
 
Basis of Presentation
The condensed consolidated financial statements of Cleco Corporation and the condensed financial statements of Cleco Power have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC.  Accordingly, certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted, although Cleco believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.
The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles.  The unaudited financial information included in the condensed financial statements of Cleco Corporation and Cleco Power reflects all adjustments of a normal recurring nature which are, in the opinion of the management of Cleco Corporation and Cleco Power, necessary for a fair statement of the financial position and the results of operations for the interim periods. Information for interim periods is affected by seasonal variations in sales, rate changes, timing of fuel expense recovery and other factors and is not indicative necessarily of the results that may be expected for the full fiscal year.  For more information on recent accounting standards and their effect on financial results, see Note 5 — “Recent Accounting Standards.”
 
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period financial statements to conform them to the presentation used in the current year’s financial statements. These reclassifications had no effect on Cleco Corporation’s net income applicable to common stock or total common shareholders’ equity or Cleco Power’s net income or total member’s equity.
 
Risk Management 
Market risk inherent in Cleco’s market risk-sensitive instruments and positions includes the potential change arising from changes in interest rates and the commodity market prices of power and natural gas on different energy exchanges. Cleco’s Risk Management Committee has the authority to approve the use of various derivative instruments, including futures and option contracts, forward purchase and sales contracts, and swap transactions to reduce exposure to fluctuations in the price of power and natural gas. Cleco
 
20

CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 
 
Power’s market risk-sensitive instruments and positions qualify for the normal-purchase, normal-sale exception to mark-to-market accounting of SFAS No. 133, as modified by SFAS No. 149, since Cleco Power generally takes physical delivery and the instruments and positions are used to satisfy customer requirements. 
Cleco Power has entered into certain financial transactions it considers economic hedges to mitigate the risk associated with the fixed-price power to be provided to a wholesale customer through December 2010.  The economic hedges cover approximately 97% of the estimated daily peak hour power sales to the wholesale customer.  These transactions are derivatives as defined by SFAS No. 133 but do not meet the accounting criteria to be considered hedges.  These transactions are marked-to-market with the resulting gain or loss recorded on the income statement as a component of operating revenue, net.  For the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, and June 30, 2006, the following gains and losses related to these economic hedge transactions were recorded in other operations revenue.
             
   
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
   
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
 
(THOUSANDS)
 
2007
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
 
Realized gain (loss)
  $
44
    $ (143 )   $ (17 )   $ (231 )
Mark-to-market (loss) gain
    (230 )     (514 )    
1,229
      (2,390 )
Total (loss) gain
  $ (186 )   $ (657 )   $
1,212
    $ (2,621 )
 
Cleco Power has entered into other positions to mitigate some of the volatility in fuel costs passed on to customers.  These positions are marked-to-market with the resulting gain or loss recorded on the balance sheet as a component of the accumulated deferred fuel asset or liability and a component of risk management assets or liabilities.  When these positions close, actual gains or losses will be included in the fuel adjustment clause and reflected on customers’ bills as a component of the fuel cost adjustment.  Based on market prices at June 30, 2007, and December 31, 2006, the net mark-to-market impact relating to these positions were losses of $21.8 million and $60.3 million, respectively.  Deferred losses relating to closed natural gas positions at June 30, 2007, and December 31, 2006, totaled $5.8 million and $8.0 million, respectively.
Cleco Power maintains margin accounts with commodity brokers used to partially fund the acquisition of natural gas futures, options and swap contracts.  These contracts/positions are used to mitigate the risks associated with the fixed-price power sales and volatility in customer fuel costs noted above.  At June 30, 2007, and December 31, 2006, Cleco Power had deposited collateral of $6.3 million and $18.6 million, respectively, to cover margin requirements relating to open natural gas futures, options and swap positions.
Cleco and Cleco Power maintain a master netting agreement policy and monitor credit risk exposure through review of counterparty credit quality, corporate-wide aggregate counterparty credit exposure and corporate-wide aggregate counterparty concentration levels.  Cleco actively manages these risks by establishing appropriate credit and concentration limits on transactions with counterparties and by requiring contractual guarantees, cash deposits or letters of credit from counterparties or their affiliates, as deemed necessary.  Cleco Power has agreements in place with various counterparties that authorize the netting of financial buys and sells and contract payments to mitigate credit risk for transactions entered into for risk management purposes.
 
Earnings per Average Common Share
The following table shows the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share.
                         
                     
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
 
               
2007
               
2006
 
(THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARES AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
INCOME
   
SHARES
   
PER SHARE
AMOUNT
   
INCOME
   
SHARES
   
PER SHARE
AMOUNT
 
Income from continuing operations
  $
63,191
                $
23,329
             
Deduct:  non-participating stock dividends (4.5% preferred stock)
   
12
                 
12
             
Deduct:  participating preferred stock dividends
   
-
                 
413
             
Deduct:  amount allocated to participating preferred
   
-
                 
421
             
Basic earnings per share
                                       
Income from continuing operations
  $
63,179
     
59,490
    $
1.06
    $
22,483
     
50,054
    $
0.45
 
Loss from discontinued operations
   
-
             
-
      (103 )            
-
 
Total basic net income applicable to common stock
  $
63,179
     
59,490
    $
1.06
    $
22,380
     
50,054
    $
0.45
 
Effect of Dilutive Securities
                                               
Add:  stock option grants
   
-
     
126
             
-
     
107
         
Add:  restricted stock (LTICP)
   
9
     
183
             
8
     
258
         
Add:  convertible ESOP preferred stock
   
-
     
-
             
835
     
1,879
         
Diluted earnings per share
                                               
Income from continuing operations plus assumed conversions
  $
63,188
     
59,799
    $
1.05
    $
23,326
     
52,298
    $
0.44
 
Loss from discontinued operations
   
-
                      (103 )            
-
 
Total diluted net income applicable to common stock
  $
63,188
     
59,799
    $
1.05
    $
23,223
     
52,298
    $
0.44
 

21

CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 
 
                         
                     
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
 
               
2007
               
2006
 
(THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARES AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
INCOME
   
SHARES
   
PER SHARE
AMOUNT
   
INCOME
   
SHARES
   
PER SHARE
AMOUNT
 
Income from continuing operations
  $
71,837
                $
35,554
             
Deduct:  non-participating stock dividends (4.5% preferred stock)
   
23
                 
23
             
Deduct:  participating preferred stock dividends
   
412
                 
863
             
Deduct:  amount allocated to participating preferred
   
596
                 
454
             
Basic earnings per share
                                       
Income from continuing operations
  $
70,806
     
58,585
    $
1.21
    $
34,214
     
49,956
    $
0.68
 
Loss from discontinued operations
   
-
             
-
      (190 )            
-
 
Total basic net income applicable to common stock
  $
70,806
     
58,585
    $
1.21
    $
34,024
     
49,956
    $
0.68
 
Effect of Dilutive Securities
                                               
Add:  stock option grants
   
-
     
128
             
-
     
96
         
Add:  restricted stock (LTICP)
   
14
     
89
             
17
     
114
         
Add:  convertible ESOP preferred stock
   
1,008
     
784
             
1,317
     
1,929
         
Diluted earnings per share
                                               
Income from continuing operations plus assumed conversions
  $
71,828
     
59,586
    $
1.20
    $
35,548
     
52,095
    $
0.68
 
Loss from discontinued operations
   
-
             
-
      (190 )            
-
 
Total diluted net income applicable to common stock
  $
71,828
     
59,586
    $
1.20
    $
35,358
     
52,095
    $
0.68
 

There were no stock option grants excluded from diluted earnings per share in 2007, because the average market price was higher than the stock option grant exercise prices.
Stock option grants excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006, presented in the table below, had exercise prices higher than the average market price.
       
 
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
 
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
     
2006
     
2006
 
STRIKE PRICE
AVERAGE
MARKET PRICE
SHARES
 
STRIKE PRICE
AVERAGE
MARKET PRICE
SHARES
Stock option grants excluded
$ 22.69 – $ 24.25
$22.57
136,934
 
$ 22.25 – $ 24.25
$22.22
290,036

Stock-Based Compensation
At June 30, 2007, Cleco had one share-based compensation plan, the LTICP.  Options or restricted shares of stock, known as non-vested stock as defined by SFAS No. 123(R), common stock equivalents, and stock appreciation rights may be granted to certain officers, key employees, or directors of Cleco Corporation and its subsidiaries pursuant to the LTICP.
On January 26, 2007, Cleco granted 71,863 shares of non-vested stock and 55,249 common stock equivalent units to certain officers, key employees and directors of Cleco Corporation and its subsidiaries pursuant to the LTICP. 
Cleco and Cleco Power reported pre-tax compensation expense for their share-based compensation plan as shown in the following table:
                         
   
CLECO CORPORATION
   
CLECO POWER
   
CLECO CORPORATION
   
CLECO POWER
 
         
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
         
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
 
(THOUSANDS)
 
2007
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
 
Equity classification
                                               
Non-vested stock
  $
488
    $
669
    $
205
    $
299
    $
1,113
    $
969
    $
455
    $
489
 
Stock options
    (14 )    
27
      (9 )    
6
     
8
     
49
      (5 )    
13
 
Non-forfeitable dividends
   
9
     
9
     
5
     
5
     
15
     
17
     
9
     
9
 
Total
  $
483
    $
705
    $
201
    $
310
    $
1,136
    $
1,035
    $
459
    $
511
 
Liability classification
                                                               
Common stock equivalent units
  $
184
    $
98
    $
73
    $
40
    $
392
    $
211
    $
154
    $
85
 
Company funded participants income tax obligations
   
1,269
     
291
     
757
     
155
     
3,355
     
622
     
1,799
     
382
 
Total
  $
1,453
    $
389
    $
830
    $
195
    $
3,747
    $
833
    $
1,953
    $
467
 
Total pre-tax compensation expense
  $
1,936
    $
1,094
    $
1,031
    $
505
    $
4,883
    $
1,868
    $
2,412
    $
978
 
Tax benefit (excluding income tax gross-up)
  $
256
    $
309
    $
106
    $
135
    $
588
    $
480
    $
236
    $
229
 

22

CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 
 
Note 2 — Regulatory Assets and Liabilities

Cleco Power follows SFAS No. 71, which allows utilities to capitalize or defer certain costs based on regulatory approval and management’s ongoing assessment that it is probable these items will be recovered through the ratemaking process.
The following chart summarizes Cleco Power’s regulatory assets and liabilities at June 30, 2007, and December 31, 2006:
             
   
AT JUNE 30,
   
AT DECEMBER 31,
 
(THOUSANDS)
 
2007
   
2006
 
Regulatory assets and liabilities – deferred taxes, net
  $
107,274
    $
94,653
 
Deferred mining costs
  $
22,007
    $
20,096
 
Deferred storm restoration costs – Lili/Isidore
   
2,079
     
2,772
 
Deferred storm restoration costs – Katrina/Rita
   
135,198
     
138,935
 
Deferred interest costs
   
7,747
     
8,430
 
Deferred asset removal costs
   
585
     
562
 
Deferred postretirement plan costs
   
37,359
     
38,719
 
Regulatory assets – other
  $
204,975
    $
209,514
 
Deferred fuel transportation revenue
  $ (1,233 )   $ (1,566 )
Deferred construction carrying costs
    (15,647 )     (4,897 )
Regulatory liabilities - other
  $ (16,880 )   $ (6,463 )
Deferred fuel and purchased power
   
52,988
     
77,435
 
Total regulatory assets and liabilities, net
  $
348,357
    $
375,139
 
 
Deferred Fuel and Purchased Power Costs
The cost of fuel used for electric generation and the cost of power purchased for utility customers are recovered through the LPSC-established fuel adjustment clause, which enables Cleco Power to pass on to its customers substantially all such charges.  The regulatory asset represents costs to be collected from customers in future months.  The $24.4 million decrease in the regulatory asset for deferred fuel and purchased power costs is the result of a $38.4 million decrease in deferred losses associated with open natural gas hedge positions and $2.2 million of lower deferred losses on closed natural gas hedge positions, both due to increases in natural gas prices, partially offset by the deferral of $16.2 million in additional fuel and purchased power costs.  For additional information on deferred fuel and purchased power costs, see Note 13 — “Deferred Fuel and Purchased Power Costs.”  For additional information on natural gas hedges, see Note 1 — “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Risk Management.”
 
Deferred Construction Carrying Costs
In February 2006, the LPSC approved Cleco Power’s plans to build Rodemacher Unit 3.  Terms of the approval included acceptance of an LPSC Staff recommendation that Cleco Power collect from customers an amount equal to 75% of the LPSC jurisdictional portion of the carrying costs of capital during the construction phase of the unit.  In any calendar year during the construction period, the amount collected from customers is not to exceed 6.5% of Cleco Power’s projected retail revenues.  Cleco Power began collection of the carrying costs in May 2006.  For the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2007, Cleco Power has collected $6.2 million and $10.8 million, respectively.  A regulatory liability was established for the carrying costs due to the terms of the LPSC order which requires Cleco Power, as part of its next base rate application to recover Rodemacher Unit 3 ownership costs, to submit a plan to return to customers the carrying costs collected during the construction period.
 
Deferred Taxes
Cleco Power has recorded SFAS No. 109 net regulatory assets related to probable future taxes payable that will be recovered from customers through future rates.  Amounts recorded as regulatory assets are partially offset by deferred tax liabilities resulting from the regulatory requirement to flow through the current tax benefits to customers of certain accelerated deductions that are recovered from customers as they are paid.  The recovery periods for regulatory assets and liabilities are based on assets’ lives, which are typically 30 years or greater.  The amounts deferred are attributable to differences between book and tax recovery periods. The increase in regulatory assets relating to deferred taxes is primarily the result of the collection and deferral of carrying costs for Cleco Power’s construction of Rodemacher Unit 3.
 
Deferred Storm Restoration Costs
At June 30, 2007, Cleco Power had approximately $2.1 million and $135.2 million of unamortized storm restoration costs relating to damage caused by Tropical Storm Isidore and Hurricane Lili and damage caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, respectively.  According to an agreement with the LPSC, approximately $8.2 million of restoration costs related to Isidore and Lili were recorded as a regulatory asset ($7.0 million in 2002 and $1.2 million in 2003) and are being amortized to maintenance expense over the six-year period which began in January 2003.  The restoration costs relating to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita were being amortized to depreciation expense based on the amounts collected monthly from customers through a surcharge, according to the terms of an interim rate increase approved by the LPSC.  The decrease of $4.4 million of deferred storm restoration costs is primarily the result of the amortization mentioned above.  
In March 2007, after completing a review of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita restoration costs, Cleco Power and the LPSC Staff filed a settlement agreement allowing the recovery of essentially all of Cleco Power’s Hurricanes Katrina and Rita storm costs.  The agreement also allows Cleco Power to securitize the storm costs.  Through securitization, debt securities may be issued, the debt service of which will be paid from dedicated amounts collected from customers.  Management expects the securitization financing order to be approved by the LPSC in the third quarter of 2007.
 
Note 3 — Disclosures about Segments

Cleco’s reportable segments are based on its method of internal reporting, which disaggregates business units by first-tier subsidiary. Reportable segments were determined by applying SFAS No. 131. Cleco’s reportable segments are Cleco Power and Midstream. The reconciling items in the following tables consist of the holding company, a shared services subsidiary, two transmission substations, and an investment
 
23

CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 
 
subsidiary.  Effective February 1, 2007, the ownership interests of Midstream’s transmission interconnection facilities were transferred to Cleco Corporation.  In accordance with SFAS No. 131, the prior period has been adjusted to reflect this change in organizational structure.
Each reportable segment engages in business activities from which it earns revenue and incurs expenses. Segment managers report periodically to Cleco’s Chief Executive Officer (the chief operating decision-maker) with discrete financial information and, at least quarterly, present discrete financial information to Cleco Corporation’s Board of Directors. Each reportable segment prepared budgets for 2007 that were presented to and approved by Cleco Corporation’s Board of Directors.
The financial results of Cleco’s segments are presented on an accrual basis. Management evaluates the performance of its segments and allocates resources to them based on segment profit and the requirements to implement new strategic initiatives and projects to meet current business objectives.  Material intercompany transactions occur on a regular basis.  These intercompany transactions relate primarily to joint and common administrative support services provided by Support Group.

24

CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 

SEGMENT INFORMATION FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
                               
   
CLECO
         
RECONCILING
             
2007 (THOUSANDS)
 
POWER
 
 
MIDSTREAM
   
ITEMS
   
ELIMINATIONS
   
CONSOLIDATED
 
Revenue
                             
Electric operations
  $
251,909
    $
-
    $
-
    $
-
    $
251,909
 
Other operations
   
7,922
     
4
     
53
      (8 )    
7,971
 
Affiliate revenue
   
13
     
1,160
     
448
     
-
     
1,621
 
Intercompany revenue
   
502
     
-
     
11,416
      (11,918 )    
-
 
Operating revenue
  $
260,346
    $
1,164
    $
11,917
    $ (11,926 )   $
261,501
 
Depreciation expense
  $
19,622
    $
79
    $
289
    $
-
    $
19,990
 
Interest charges
  $
9,626
    $
5,521
    $
2,336
    $ (5,494 )   $
11,989
 
Interest income
  $
1,060
    $
423
    $
6,600
    $ (5,494 )   $
2,589
 
Equity income from investees
  $
-
    $
70,755
    $
527
    $
-
    $
71,282
 
Federal and state income tax expense (benefit)
  $
6,531
    $
25,015
    $ (578 )   $
-
    $
30,968
 
Segment profit (1)
  $
18,672
    $
39,042
    $
5,477
    $
-
    $
63,191
 
Additions to long-lived assets
  $
121,070
    $
5,000
    $
286
    $
-
    $
126,356
 
Equity investment in investees
  $
-
    $
292,850
    $
92,171
    $ (73,894 )   $
311,127
 
Total segment assets
  $
2,108,352
    $
398,212
    $
508,172
    $ (377,249 )   $
2,637,487
 
(1)Reconciliation of segment profit to consolidated profit:
 
Segment profit
                    $
63,191
         
   
Unallocated items:
                         
   
Preferred dividends requirements
             
12
         
   
Net income applicable to common stock
    $
63,179
         
 
                               
   
CLECO
         
RECONCILING
             
2006 (THOUSANDS)
 
POWER
   
MIDSTREAM
   
ITEMS
   
ELIMINATIONS
   
CONSOLIDATED
 
Revenue
                             
Electric operations
  $
241,286
    $
-
    $
-
    $
-
    $
241,286
 
Other operations
   
7,883
     
1
     
59
      (14 )    
7,929
 
Affiliate revenue
   
12
     
1,138
     
587
     
-
     
1,737
 
Intercompany revenue
   
500
     
-
     
10,523
      (11,023 )    
-
 
Operating revenue, net
  $
249,681
    $
1,139
    $
11,169
    $ (11,037 )   $
250,952
 
Depreciation expense
  $
15,301
    $
78
    $
335
    $
-
    $
15,714
 
Interest charges
  $
8,924
    $
4,645
    $
1,968
    $ (4,627 )   $
10,910
 
Interest income
  $
1,793
    $
-
    $
4,777
    $ (4,627 )   $
1,943
 
Equity income from investees
  $
-
    $
13,476
    $
1,757
    $
-
    $
15,233
 
Federal and state income tax expense
  $
7,802
    $
4,018
    $
1,708
    $ (69 )   $
13,459
 
Segment profit from continuing operations, net
  $
17,047
    $
3,870
    $
2,412
    $     $
23,329
 
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
            (103 )    
-
            (103 )
Segment profit (1) 
  $
17,047
    $
3,767
    $
2,412
    $     $
23,226
 
Additions to long-lived assets
  $
71,627
    $
5
    $
40
    $
-
    $
71,672
 
Equity investment in investees (2)
  $
-
    $
302,167
    $
4,969
    $
-
    $
307,136
 
Total segment assets (2)
  $
2,023,852
    $
325,157
    $
751,376
    $ (639,281 )   $
2,461,104
 
(1)Reconciliation of segment profit to consolidated profit:
 
Segment profit
                    $
23,226
         
(2)Balances as of December 31, 2006
 
Unallocated items:
                         
   
Preferred dividends requirements
             
427
         
   
Net income applicable to common stock
    $
22,799
         
25

CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 

SEGMENT INFORMATION FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
                               
   
CLECO
         
RECONCILING
             
2007 (THOUSANDS)
 
POWER
   
MIDSTREAM
   
ITEMS
   
ELIMINATIONS
   
CONSOLIDATED
 
Revenue
                             
Electric operations
  $
464,929
    $
-
    $
-
    $
-
    $
464,929
 
Other operations
   
17,182
     
11
     
60
      (13 )    
17,240
 
Affiliate revenue
   
25
     
2,146
     
911
     
-
     
3,082
 
Intercompany revenue
   
1,003
     
-
     
23,812
      (24,815 )    
-
 
Operating revenue
  $
483,139
    $
2,157
    $
24,783
    $ (24,828 )   $
485,251
 
Depreciation expense
  $
39,383
    $
154
    $
551
    $
-
    $
40,088
 
Interest charges
  $
19,670
    $
10,563
    $
4,248
    $ (10,506 )   $
23,975
 
Interest income
  $
2,466
    $
423
    $
12,774
    $ (10,506 )   $
5,157
 
Equity income from investees
  $
-
    $
68,928
    $
955
    $
-
    $
69,883
 
Federal and state income tax expense
  $
9,647
    $
22,062
    $
1,402
    $
-
    $
33,111
 
Segment profit (1)
  $
30,948
    $
34,328
    $
6,561
    $
-
    $
71,837
 
Additions to long-lived assets
  $
220,807
    $
5,000
    $
420
    $
-
    $
226,227
 
Equity investment in investees
  $
-
    $
292,850
    $
92,171
    $ (73,894 )   $
311,127
 
Total segment assets
  $
2,108,352
    $
398,212
    $
508,172
    $ (377,249 )   $
2,637,487
 
(1)Reconciliation of segment profit to consolidated profit:
 
Segment profit
                    $
71,837
         
   
Unallocated items:
                         
   
Preferred dividends requirements
             
435
         
   
Net income applicable to common stock
    $
71,402
         
 

                               
   
CLECO
         
RECONCILING
             
2006 (THOUSANDS)
 
POWER
   
MIDSTREAM
   
ITEMS
   
ELIMINATIONS
   
CONSOLIDATED
 
Revenue
                             
Electric operations
  $
452,275
    $
-
    $
-
    $
-
    $
452,275
 
Other operations
   
14,432
     
5
     
104
      (16 )    
14,525
 
Electric customer credits
   
4,382
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
4,382
 
Affiliate revenue
   
24
     
2,188
     
976
     
-
     
3,188
 
Intercompany revenue
   
1,000
     
-
     
19,658
      (20,658 )    
-
 
Operating revenue, net
  $
472,113
    $
2,193
    $
20,738
    $ (20,674 )   $
474,370
 
Depreciation expense
  $
30,526
    $
156
    $
676
    $
-
    $
31,358
 
Interest charges
  $
17,904
    $
8,876
    $
3,916
    $ (8,836 )   $
21,860
 
Interest income
  $
4,129
    $
-
    $
9,142
    $ (8,836 )   $
4,435
 
Equity income from investees
  $
-
    $
13,448
    $
2,158
    $
-
    $
15,606
 
Federal and state income tax expense
  $
14,859
    $
2,322
    $
2,516
    $ (124 )   $
19,573
 
Segment profit from continuing operations, net
  $
30,921
    $
599
    $
4,034
    $
-
    $
35,554
 
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
   
-
      (190 )    
-
     
-
      (190 )
Segment profit (1) 
  $
30,921
    $
409
    $
4,034
    $
-
    $
35,364
 
Additions to long-lived assets
  $
122,318
    $
13
    $
155
    $
-
    $
122,486
 
Equity investment in investees (2)
  $
-
    $
302,167
    $
4,969
    $
-
    $
307,136
 
Total segment assets (2)
  $
2,023,852
    $
325,157
    $
751,376
    $ (639,281 )   $
2,461,104
 
(1)Reconciliation of segment profit to consolidated profit:
 
Segment profit
                    $
35,364
         
(2)Balances as of December 31, 2006
 
Unallocated items:
                         
   
Preferred dividends requirements
             
886
         
   
Net income applicable to common stock
    $
34,478
         

Note 4 — Equity Investment in Investees

Equity investment in investees represents primarily Midstream’s $234.6 million investment in Acadia, owned 50% by APH and 50% by Calpine.  Equity investment in investees also represents a $76.4 million investment in other subsidiaries owned 100% by Cleco Corporation.  The remaining $0.1 million relates to equity investments which are less than 100% owned by Cleco Innovations LLC.
Cleco reports on the equity method of accounting its investment in Acadia, subsidiaries owned 100% by Cleco Corporation, and other investments held by Cleco Innovations LLC, in accordance with FIN 46R.  Under the equity method, the assets and liabilities of these entities are reported as equity investment in investees on Cleco Corporation’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The revenue and expenses (excluding income taxes) of these entities are netted and reported as equity income from investees on Cleco Corporation’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

26

CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 
 
The table below presents the equity income (loss) from each investment accounted for using the equity method.
       
   
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
 
(THOUSANDS)
 
2007
   
2006
 
APH
  $
73,749
    $
11,903
 
Subsidiaries 100% owned by Cleco Corporation
    (2,468 )    
3,380
 
Other
   
1
      (50 )
Total equity income
  $
71,282
    $
15,233
 

       
   
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
 
(THOUSANDS)
 
2007
   
2006
 
APH
  $
71,354
    $
11,837
 
Subsidiaries 100% owned by Cleco Corporation
    (1,462 )    
3,844
 
Other
    (9 )     (75 )
Total equity income
  $
69,883
    $
15,606
 
 
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2006, APH’s equity income includes $12.2 million and $15.0 million, respectively, of draws against the $15.0 million letter of credit.  The letter of credit, of which APH was the beneficiary, was posted by Calpine to support its obligations under the Calpine Tolling Agreements.
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, APH’s equity income includes net proceeds of $78.2 million from the settlement of the Calpine bankruptcy claims.  For more information on these claims, see Note 16 — “Calpine Bankruptcy.”
 
Acadia
Cleco’s current assessment of its maximum exposure to loss at June 30, 2007, consists of its equity investment of $234.6 million. 
The table below presents the components of Midstream's equity investment in Acadia.
             
   
AT JUNE 30,
   
AT DECEMBER 31,
 
INCEPTION TO DATE (THOUSANDS)
 
2007
   
2006
 
Contributed assets (cash and land)
  $
250,612
    $
250,612
 
Income before taxes
   
98,852
     
105,698
 
Capitalized interest and other
   
19,469
     
19,469
 
Less: Cash distributions
   
134,264
     
136,464
 
Total equity investment in investee
  $
234,669
    $
239,315
 
 
Midstream’s equity, as reported on the balance sheet of Acadia at June 30, 2007, was $266.5 million.  The difference of $31.9 million between the equity investment in investee of $234.6 million as shown in the table above and Midstream’s equity includes $19.5 million of interest capitalized on funds contributed to Acadia.  It also includes other miscellaneous charges related to the construction of the Acadia facility offset by $58.9 million which represents the difference between the accounting treatments used by the partnership entities to record the allocation of termination agreement income.  The remaining $7.5 million is due to the difference in accounting treatment of the letter of credit draws between Acadia and APH.  The cash distributions of $134.3 million were used to pay interest and repay principal on debt at Cleco Corporation relating to this investment. 
In December 2005, the Calpine Debtors, including CES and the subsidiary which owns the other 50% of Acadia, filed voluntary petitions in the Calpine Debtors Bankruptcy Court for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.  In February 2006, APH drew $2.8 million against the $15.0 million Calpine letter of credit due to the default of CES under the tolling agreements.  In August 2006, APH drew the remaining $12.2 million available under Calpine’s $15.0 million letter of credit.  These amounts were reported as equity income from investees on Cleco Corporation’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income in the respective periods.
On April 23, 2007, Cleco announced that a settlement had been reached with Calpine that resolves issues surrounding the Calpine bankruptcy filing and its effect on the Acadia facility.  On May 9, 2007, the Calpine Debtors Bankruptcy Court approved the terms of the April 23, 2007, settlement agreement.  For additional information, see Note 16 — “Calpine Bankruptcy” and Note 17 — “Subsequent Event.”
The table below contains summarized financial information for Acadia.
             
   
AT JUNE 30,
   
AT DECEMBER 31,
 
(THOUSANDS)
 
2007
   
2006
 
Current assets
  $
6,669
    $
5,233
 
Property, plant and equipment, net
   
433,815
     
437,281
 
Total assets
  $
440,484
    $
442,514
 
Current liabilities
  $
9,746
    $
3,327
 
Partners’ capital
   
430,738
     
439,187
 
Total liabilities and partners’ capital
  $
440,484
    $
442,514
 

             
   
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
   
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
 
(THOUSANDS)
 
2007
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
 
Total revenue
  $
2,248
    $
42,204
    $
25,490
    $
59,496
 
Total operating expenses
   
11,614
     
41,751
     
39,652
     
64,772
 
Other income
   
464
     
1,737
     
470
     
1,741
 
(Loss) income before taxes
  $ (8,902 )   $
2,190
    $ (13,692 )   $ (3,535 )
 
Income tax expense recorded on APH’s financial statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, was $26.5 million and $23.6 million, respectively, compared to $2.7 million and $1.0 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006, respectively.  The increase in income tax expense at APH is primarily due to the settlement of the Calpine bankruptcy claims included in income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007.
 
Subsidiaries 100% owned by Cleco Corporation
Cleco’s current assessment of its maximum exposure to loss at June 30, 2007, related to its 100% investment in Evangeline, Attala, and Perryville consists of its equity investment of $76.4 million.  
The table below presents the components of Cleco Corporation’s equity investment in such entities.
             
   
AT JUNE 30,
   
AT DECEMBER 31,
 
INCEPTION TO DATE (THOUSANDS)
 
2007
   
2006
 
Contributed assets (cash)
  $
152,760
    $
152,760
 
Income before taxes
   
185,907
     
187,369
 
Less:  distributions
   
262,229
     
272,414
 
Total equity investment in investee
  $
76,438
    $
67,715
 

27

CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 
 
The table below contains summarized financial information for Evangeline, Attala and Perryville.
             
   
AT JUNE 30,
   
AT DECEMBER 31,
 
(THOUSANDS)
 
2007
   
2006
 
Current assets
  $
22,308
    $
17,453
 
Accounts receivable - affiliate
   
17,254
     
5,159
 
Property, plant and equipment, net
   
183,304
     
185,958
 
Other assets
   
63,839
     
64,744
 
Total assets
  $
286,705
    $
273,314
 
Current liabilities
  $
26,302
    $
17,532
 
Accounts payable - affiliate
   
11,328
     
4,802
 
Long-term debt
   
172,965
     
177,064
 
Other liabilities
   
66,259
     
61,562
 
Member’s equity
   
9,851
     
12,354
 
Total liabilities and member’s equity
  $
286,705
    $
273,314
 

             
   
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
   
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
 
(THOUSANDS)
 
2007
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
 
Operating revenue
  $
14,296
    $
13,202
    $
25,365
    $
24,017
 
Operating expenses
   
8,433
     
4,654
     
13,043
     
9,733
 
Depreciation
   
1,299
     
1,299
     
2,585
     
2,607
 
Interest charges
   
6,255
     
4,204
     
10,777
     
8,361
 
Interest income
   
318
     
344
     
676
     
669
 
Other expense
   
1,095
     
9
     
1,098
     
141
 
(Loss) income before taxes
  $ (2,468 )   $
3,380
    $ (1,462 )   $
3,844
 
 
Since its inception, Cleco has had 100% ownership and voting interest of Evangeline.  All of the capacity and output of the power plant has been tolled to Williams, which pays Evangeline certain fixed and variable amounts.  In May 2007, The Williams Companies, Inc. agreed to sell substantially all of its power assets, including its tolling agreement with Evangeline, to Bear Energy LP.  The sale, which is subject to regulatory and other approvals, is expected to close no later than the fourth quarter of 2007, and is not expected to have an impact on operations.
 
Note 5 — Recent Accounting Standards

The Registrants adopted, or will adopt, the recent accounting standards listed below on their respective effective dates.
In February 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 155 which amends SFAS No. 133 and SFAS No. 140.  The provisions of this statement:
 
§  
permit fair value accounting for hybrid financial instruments that contain an embedded derivative that otherwise would require bifurcation;
§  
clarify the exemption from SFAS No. 133 for certain interest-only and principal-only strips;
§  
establish a requirement to evaluate interests in securitized financial assets that contain an embedded derivative requiring bifurcation;
§  
clarify that concentrations of credit risk in the form of subordination are not embedded derivatives; and
§  
amend SFAS No. 140 as it relates to qualifying special-purpose entities and derivative financial instruments.
 
This statement is effective for all financial instruments acquired, issued or subject to a remeasurement event occurring after the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after September 15, 2006.  The adoption of SFAS No. 155 did not have an impact on the financial condition or results of operations of the Registrants.
In March 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 156 which amends SFAS No. 140 with respect to the accounting for separately recognized servicing assets and liabilities.  This statement requires all separately recognized servicing assets and liabilities to be initially measured at fair value, requires fair value accounting for derivative instruments used to mitigate risks of the servicing assets and liabilities, and allows for the election to use fair value accounting for the servicing assets and liabilities in subsequent periods.  SFAS No. 156 is effective for the first fiscal year beginning after September 15, 2006.  The adoption of SFAS No. 156 did not have an impact on the financial condition or results of operations of the Registrants.
In July 2006, the FASB issued FIN 48, which provides guidance on accounting for uncertain tax positions.  FIN 48 allows recognition of those tax benefits that satisfy a greater than 50% probability threshold.  This interpretation requires each tax position to be evaluated using a two-step process.  The first step is a determination of the likelihood the position will be sustained upon examination based upon the technical merits of the position.  For tax positions that result from permanent differences between book and tax income, the company must evaluate the likelihood that the position will be sustained to determine whether a tax benefit can be recognized.  Once it is determined that a tax benefit can be recognized, the second step is to measure and record the tax benefit to be realized.  For tax positions that do not meet the requirements of the first step, no tax benefit should be recognized.  This interpretation also provides for the recognition and measurement of expected penalties and interest, as well as disclosure requirements about tax positions.  This interpretation is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006.  For additional information regarding the impact the adoption of FIN 48 had on the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrants, see Note 12 — “Income Taxes.”
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, which provides guidance on how companies should measure fair value when required for recognition or disclosure purposes under generally accepted accounting principles.  Specifically, SFAS No. 157 creates a common definition of fair value throughout generally accepted accounting principles, establishes a fair value hierarchy, and requires companies to make expanded disclosures about fair value measurements.  This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.  Management is currently evaluating the impact this statement will have on the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrants.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, which allows entities to choose, at specified election dates, to measure eligible financial assets and liabilities at fair value that are
 
28

CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 
 
not otherwise required to be measured at fair value.  SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.  Management is currently evaluating the impact this statement will have on the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrants.
In April 2007, the FASB issued FSP No. FIN 39-1, which amends FIN 39.  The new guidance permits companies to offset fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments executed with the same counterparty under a master netting arrangement and fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral (a receivable) or the obligation to return cash collateral (a payable) arising from the same master netting arrangement as the derivative instruments.  FSP No. FIN 39-1 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.  Management is currently evaluating the impact this statement will have on the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrants.
In May 2007, the FASB issued FSP FIN 48-1, which provides three conditions that should be met for a tax position to be considered effectively settled with the applicable taxing authority.  The guidance in this FSP is effective upon the initial adoption of FIN 48.  Companies that have already adopted FIN 48, but have not yet applied FIN 48 in a manner that is consistent with this FSP, will be required to retrospectively apply the provisions of the FSP to the date of their initial adoption of FIN 48.  The adoption of this statement had no effect on the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrants.
In June 2007, the FASB ratified EITF No. 06-11.  This consensus requires companies to record the realized income tax benefits from dividends or dividend equivalents that are charged to retained earnings and are paid to employees to the additional paid-in capital pool.  This consensus is effective prospectively for dividends declared in fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2007.  This consensus may be adopted early in financial periods for which financial statements have not been issued.  Entities shall disclose the nature of any change in their accounting policy for income tax benefits of dividends on share-based payment awards resulting from the adoption of this guidance.  Management is currently evaluating the impact this consensus will have on the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrants.
In June 2007, the FASB ratified EITF No. 07-3.  This consensus requires companies that make non-refundable advance payments for future research and development activities to capitalize the payments until the goods have been delivered or the related services performed.  This consensus is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007.  Earlier application is not permitted.  The adoption of this EITF is not expected to have a material impact to the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrants.
 
Note 6 — Restricted Cash

Various agreements to which Cleco is subject contain covenants that restrict its use of cash.  As certain provisions under these agreements are met, cash is transferred out of related escrow accounts and becomes available for general corporate purposes.  At June 30, 2007, and December 31, 2006, $0.1 million of cash was restricted under the Diversified Lands mitigation escrow agreement.  Also, at June 30, 2007, and December 31, 2006, less than $0.1 million and $24.4 million of cash, respectively, were restricted under the Cleco Power solid waste disposal bonds indenture.  Restricted cash at Cleco Power decreased $24.3 million compared to December 31, 2006, due to the release of funds for construction of the solid waste disposal facilities at Rodemacher Unit 3.
 
Note 7 — Electric Customer Credits

Earnings for the six months ended June 30, 2006, for Cleco and Cleco Power reflect reversals of previously accrued credits of $4.4 million under terms of a RSP established in an earnings review settlement with the LPSC in 1996.  
The original terms of the 1996 LPSC earnings review settlement were extended without modification to September 30, 2006, through subsequent amendments and two approved one-year extensions.  As part of the settlement, Cleco Power was allowed to retain all regulated earnings up to a 12.25% return on equity, and to share equally with customers, as credits on their bills, all regulated earnings between 12.25% and 13% return on equity.  All regulated earnings above a 13% return on equity were credited to customers.  This effectively allowed Cleco Power the opportunity to realize a regulatory rate of return up to 12.625%.  The amount of credits due customers, if any, is determined by Cleco Power and the LPSC annually, based on results for each 12-month period ended September 30.  The 1996 LPSC settlement provided for such credits to be made on customers’ bills the following summer.
The $4.4 million reversal of previously accrued credits mentioned above was the result of two events.  The first event was the April 2006 settlement of issues raised in the LPSC’s review of Cleco Power’s RSP filings for the 12-month periods ended September 30, 2002, 2003, and 2004.  Under the terms of the settlement, Cleco Power refunded $1.3 million as credits on customers’ September 2006 utility bills and reversed, in the first quarter of 2006, previously accrued customer credits of $3.2 million.  The second event was the April 2006 filing by Cleco Power of its required monitoring report for the 12-month period ended September 30, 2005.  Based on the reassessment of amounts filed in this monitoring report, the results of the Staff’s review as discussed above, and projections for the year 2006, Cleco Power reversed in the first quarter of 2006 an additional $1.2 million of customer credits previously accrued for the 12-month periods ended September 30, 2005, and 2006.
In the first proceeding, the LPSC also reserved the right to further review Cleco Power’s calculation of working capital included in the filings for the 12-month periods ended September 30, 2002, 2003, and 2004.  Cleco Power reached an agreement of the working capital issue with the LPSC and refunded an additional $3.2 million of previously accrued customer credits to customers in March 2007.
The LPSC consultants completed the review of the 2005 monitoring report in March 2007.  Cleco Power received the
 
29

CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 
 
LPSC Staff’s report in April 2007, indicating that no refund is due based on the 2005 RSP filing.
Cleco Power filed its RSP monitoring report with the LPSC for the 12-month period ended September 30, 2006, on March 30, 2007.  The LPSC consultants have begun their review of the 2006 filing.  Cleco Power anticipates the review will be completed by the end of 2007.
Cleco Power’s Balance Sheets at June 30, 2007, and December 31, 2006, reflect the following accruals for estimated electric customer credits relating to the 12-month periods ended September 30, 2002, through September 30, 2007.
             
   
AT JUNE 30,
   
AT DECEMBER 31,
 
(THOUSANDS)
 
2007
   
2006
 
Provision for rate refund
  $
2
    $
3,174
 
Other deferred credits
   
1,933
     
1,933
 
Total customer credits
  $
1,935
    $
5,107
 
 
Amounts reported under the line item provision for rate refund at December 31, 2006, relate to the working capital issue mentioned above for the 12-month periods ended September 30, 2002, 2003, and 2004, that were refunded in March 2007.  The amounts reported under the line item other deferred credits relate to potential RSP and fuel audit issues and currently are not due.  All customer credits relating to Cleco Power’s RSP were recorded as a reduction in revenue due to the nature of the credits.  The accruals are based upon the original 1996 settlement, the modified terms of the RSP extension, the resolution of the 2001-2002 fuel audit which was settled in 2004, annual issues as agreed to between Cleco and the LPSC, and Cleco’s assessment of issues that remain outstanding.
In July 2006, Cleco Power’s request for an extension of the RSP to the in-service date of Rodemacher Unit 3, targeted for the fourth quarter of 2009, was approved by the LPSC with several modifications to the terms of the original RSP.  Effective October 1, 2006, Cleco Power began operating under the new RSP, which allows Cleco Power to earn a maximum regulated return on equity of 11.65%.  This maximum return is based on a return on equity of 11.25%, with any regulated earnings between 11.25% and 12.25% shared between shareholders and customers in a 40/60 ratio.  All regulated earnings over 12.25% will be returned to customers.  The terms relating to the sharing of regulated earnings were modified by the LPSC in its order approving the recovery of storm restoration costs discussed below.
In February 2006, the LPSC approved Cleco Power’s request to recover storm restoration costs incurred for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.  As part of this approval, the LPSC required that effective during the interim recovery period (Phase I), which began with the May 2006 billing cycle, Cleco Power’s portion of the shared regulated earnings between the 12.25% and 13% allowed return on equity (between 11.25% and 12.25% effective October 1, 2006) be credited against outstanding Hurricanes Katrina and Rita storm restoration costs, rather than being shared between shareholders and customers.  In March 2007, as a result of Phase II of the LPSC Staff’s review of storm restoration costs, Cleco Power and the LPSC Staff filed a settlement agreement with the LPSC allowing the recovery of essentially all of Cleco Power’s Hurricanes Katrina and Rita storm costs.  As part of the agreement, Cleco Power will continue to forgo its share of any excess earnings calculated according to the terms of the current RSP (unless modified in a subsequent base rate proceeding).  For information concerning this agreement, see Note 2 — “Regulatory Assets and Liabilities.”  As of June 30, 2007, Cleco Power had not credited any earnings against storm restoration costs.
 
Note 8 — Litigation and Other Commitments and Contingencies

Other Litigation
On June 22, 2005, the City of Alexandria, Louisiana (the City), a current wholesale municipal customer of Cleco Power, filed a lawsuit in Ninth Judicial District Court against Cleco Corporation, Cleco Power, and certain other subsidiaries.  The lawsuit alleges unspecified damages as a result of certain sales made to the City, revenue derived by Cleco using the City’s power generating facilities under contracts with the City, and other alleged improper conduct, including, without limitation, allegations that Cleco fraudulently mishandled the management of the City’s power requirements under the contracts.  The lawsuit was removed to and currently is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana.  Cleco filed responses which include claims for unspecified amounts owed by the City to Cleco.  On January 13, 2006, Cleco and the City agreed upon guidelines whereby an audit and subsequent mediation of the disputed transactions would be performed.  On February 21, 2006, the court designated KPMG LLP (KPMG) to examine the claims made by both parties and subsequently serve as the mediator.  On February 23, 2007, KPMG delivered a preliminary audit report to outside counsel for each party.  Pursuant to a court order, the report’s distribution is limited and its contents are confidential.  In March 2007, the parties met to mediate the dispute and have agreed to continue to negotiate a framework for resolution of the dispute under the supervision of the mediator and the U.S. District Judge. The presiding judge reviewed the mediation with the parties on June 5, 2007, and extended the mediation to September 5, 2007.  Management believes the dispute will not have a material adverse effect on the Registrants’ financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
Cleco is involved in regulatory, environmental, and legal proceedings before various courts, regulatory commissions, and governmental agencies regarding matters arising in the ordinary course of business.  Some of these proceedings, such as fuel review and environmental issues, could involve substantial amounts.  Management regularly analyzes current information and, as necessary, provides accruals for probable liabilities on the eventual disposition of these matters.  Management believes the disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Registrants’ financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.  Cleco has been named as a defendant in two lawsuits by individuals who claimed injury due to asbestos exposure.  These two lawsuits were dismissed by the trial court; however, the claimants
 
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CLECO CORPORATION   
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2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 
 
appealed the trial court’s dismissal.  On March 21, 2007, the appeals court affirmed the trial court’s dismissal.  The claimants filed a request for review of the appeals court decision with the Louisiana Supreme Court.  On June 15, 2007, the Louisiana Supreme Court denied the claimants’ request for review.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Commitments
Cleco Corporation and Cleco Power have entered into various off-balance sheet commitments, in the form of guarantees and standby letters of credit, in order to facilitate their activities and the activities of Cleco Corporation’s subsidiaries and equity investees (affiliates). Cleco Corporation entered into these off-balance sheet commitments in order to entice desired counterparties to contract with its affiliates by providing some measure of credit assurance to the counterparty in the event Cleco’s affiliates do not fulfill certain contractual obligations. If Cleco Corporation had not provided the off-balance sheet commitments, the desired counterparties may not have contracted with Cleco’s affiliates or may have contracted with them at terms less favorable to its affiliates.
The off-balance sheet commitments are not recognized on Cleco’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, because it has been determined that Cleco’s affiliates are able to perform these obligations under their contracts and that it is not probable that payments by Cleco will be required. Some of these commitments reduce borrowings available to Cleco Corporation under its credit facility pursuant to the terms of the credit facility.  Cleco’s off-balance sheet commitments as of June 30, 2007, are summarized in the following table, and a discussion of the off-balance sheet commitments follows the table. The discussion should be read in conjunction with the table to understand the impact of the off-balance sheet commitments on Cleco’s financial condition.
                         
     
 
             
AT JUNE 30, 2007
 
                     
REDUCTIONS TO THE
 
                     
AMOUNT AVAILABLE
 
                     
TO BE DRAWN ON
 
   
FACE
         
NET
   
CLECO CORPORATION’S
 
(THOUSANDS)
 
AMOUNT
   
REDUCTIONS
   
AMOUNT
   
CREDIT FACILITY
 
Cleco Corporation
                       
Guarantee issued to Entergy companies for performance obligations of Perryville
  $
277,400
    $
135,000
    $
142,400
    $
328
 
Guarantees issued to purchasers of the assets of Cleco Energy
   
1,400
     
-
     
1,400
     
1,400
 
Obligations under standby letter of credit issued to the Evangeline Tolling Agreement counterparty
   
15,000
     
-
     
15,000
     
15,000
 
Guarantee issued to Entergy Mississippi on behalf of Attala
   
500
     
-
     
500
     
500
 
Guarantee issued to Tenaska on behalf of Cleco Evangeline
   
5,000
     
-
     
5,000
     
5,000
 
Cleco Power
                               
Obligations under standby letter of credit issued to the Louisiana Department of Labor
   
525
     
-
     
525
     
-
 
Obligations under the Lignite Mining Agreement
   
17,215
     
-
     
17,215
     
-
 
Total
  $
317,040
    $
135,000
    $
182,040
    $
22,228
 

Cleco Corporation provided a limited guarantee to Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Gulf States for Perryville’s performance, indemnity, representation, and warranty obligations under the Sale Agreement, the Power Purchase Agreement, and other ancillary agreements related to the sale of the Perryville facility.  As of June 30, 2007, the aggregate guarantee of $277.4 million is limited to $142.4 million (other than with respect to the indemnification of environmental matters to which there is no limit) due to the performance of some of the underlying obligations that were guaranteed.  The discounted probability-weighted liability under the guarantees and indemnifications as of June 30, 2007, was $0.3 million, resulting in a corresponding reduction in the available credit under Cleco’s credit facility, which was determined in accordance with the facility’s definition of a contingent obligation.  The contingent obligation reduces the amount available under the credit agreements by an amount equal to the reasonably anticipated liability in respect of the contingent obligation as determined in good faith.  For additional information on this guarantee, see Note 9 — “Disclosures about Guarantees.”
In November 2004, Cleco completed the sale of substantially all of the assets of Cleco Energy.  Cleco Corporation provided guarantees to the buyers of Cleco Energy’s assets for the payment and performance of the indemnity obligations of Cleco Energy.  The aggregate amount of the guarantees is $1.4 million, and the guarantees expire in 2009.
If Evangeline fails to perform certain obligations under its tolling agreement, Cleco Corporation will be required to make payments to the Evangeline Tolling Agreement counterparty. Cleco Corporation’s obligation under the Evangeline commitment is in the form of a standby letter of credit from investment grade banks and is limited to $15.0 million. Ratings triggers do not exist in the Evangeline Tolling Agreement. Cleco expects Evangeline to be able to meet its obligations under the tolling agreement and does not expect Cleco Corporation to be required to make payments to the counterparty. However, under the covenants associated with Cleco Corporation’s credit facility, the entire net amount of the Evangeline commitment reduces the amount that can be borrowed under the credit facility. The letter of credit for Evangeline is expected to be renewed annually until 2020.
In January 2006, Cleco Corporation provided a $0.5 million guarantee to Entergy Mississippi for Attala’s obligations under the Interconnection Agreement.  This guarantee will be effective through the life of the agreement.
On June 13, 2007, Cleco Corporation issued a guarantee to Tenaska pursuant to a power replacement agreement between Evangeline and Tenaska.  The amount of the guarantee is $5.0 million, and the guarantee expires on December 31, 2007.
The State of Louisiana allows employers of certain financial net worth to self-insure their workers’ compensation benefits.  
 
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2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 
 
Cleco Power has a certificate of self-insurance from the Louisiana Office of Workers’ Compensation and is required to post a $0.5 million letter of credit, an amount equal to 110% of the average losses over the previous three years, as surety.
As part of the Lignite Mining Agreement entered into in 2001, Cleco Power and SWEPCO, joint owners of Dolet Hills, have agreed to pay the lignite miner’s loan and lease principal obligations when due, if the lignite miner does not have sufficient funds or credit to pay. Any amounts paid on behalf of the miner would be credited by the lignite miner against the next invoice for lignite delivered. At June 30, 2007, Cleco Power’s 50% exposure for this obligation was approximately $17.2 million. The lignite mining contract is in place until 2011 and does not affect the amount Cleco Corporation can borrow under its credit facility.
The following table summarizes the expected termination date of the guarantees and standby letters of credit discussed above:
                         
                     
AT JUNE 30, 2007
 
         
AMOUNT OF COMMITMENT EXPIRATION PER PERIOD
 
   
NET
                     
MORE
 
   
AMOUNT
 
 
LESS THAN
               
THAN
 
(THOUSANDS)
 
COMMITTED
 
 
ONE YEAR
   
1-3 YEARS
   
3-5 YEARS
   
5 YEARS
 
Guarantees
  $
166,515
    $
5,000
    $
1,400
    $
117,215
    $
42,900
 
Standby letters of credit
   
15,525
     
525
     
-
     
-
     
15,000
 
Total commercial commitments
  $
182,040
    $
5,525
    $
1,400
    $
117,215
    $
57,900
 

Acadia
In May 2005, a detailed review of the gas and electric metering at the Acadia plant resulted in the discovery of a potential electric metering error whereby Acadia unknowingly generated excess power to its electric interconnections for the period beginning June 1, 2002, and ending May 31, 2005.  Acadia has made a claim against Cleco Power for the delivery of the excess generation for which it has not received compensation.  Cleco Power has evaluated the claim and communicated to Acadia that to the extent any unmetered power was generated, Entergy received the predominant benefit of that power and therefore Acadia’s claim, if any, primarily is against Entergy rather than Cleco Power.  Acadia has responded, insisting that its claim against Cleco Power is valid.  As such, in a letter dated July 19, 2006, Acadia demanded compensation from Cleco Power totaling approximately $4.5 million, allegedly representing the value of the energy delivered.  Cleco Power continues to assert that Acadia’s claim is against Entergy, not Cleco Power.  On April 23, 2007, Cleco announced that a settlement agreement had been reached with Calpine, subject to bankruptcy court approval, which resolves issues related to the Acadia power plant, including the potential electric metering error at the plant.  As part of that settlement, Calpine will sell APH the right to settle Acadia’s outstanding dispute with Cleco Power.  On May 9, 2007, the Calpine Debtors Bankruptcy Court approved the terms of the April 23, 2007, settlement agreement.  For more information on the Acadia settlement, see Note 16 — “Calpine Bankruptcy.”
 
Other Contingencies
 
General Electric Services Corporation
Cleco Power has entered into an operating lease agreement with General Electric Services Corporation for leasing of railcars in order to transport coal deliveries to its Rodemacher Power Station.  The lease contains a provision for early termination, along with an associated termination fee.  The termination provision can only be exercised in December 2010.  If exercised by Cleco Power, the termination fee would be approximately $1.4 million.  At this time, Cleco Power has no plans to early terminate this lease.
 
CBL Capital Corporation
Cleco Power has entered into an operating lease agreement with CBL Capital Corporation.  This is a master leasing agreement for company vehicles and other equipment.  The lease contains a provision for early termination, along with an associated termination fee.  At any time during the lease, Cleco Power may terminate the agreement.  The termination fee is based upon the unamortized residual value of the equipment under lease at the end of the month of termination.  The fee is decreased by any sale proceeds obtained by CBL Capital Corporation.  Cleco Power would be liable for 87% of the termination fee net of any sale proceeds.  Cleco Power’s maximum obligation at June 30, 2007, is approximately $4.1 million.  At this time, Cleco Power has no plans to terminate this lease prior to expiration of the lease term.
 
FERC Staff Investigation
In November 2005, after a review of Cleco’s October 2005 quarterly compliance report, the FERC Staff initiated a preliminary, non-public investigation into certain representations made by Cleco.  In response to data requests from the FERC Staff, Cleco provided information regarding those representations as well as compliance with the Code of Conduct and Compliance Plan contained in the Consent Agreement. The information primarily concerns the possible sharing of employees and information among Cleco’s subsidiaries, as well as the accuracy of information furnished to the FERC Staff in connection with reporting on compliance with the Consent Agreement.  On June 12, 2007, the FERC issued an order approving a Stipulation and Consent Agreement between Cleco and the FERC’s Office of Enforcement which completely resolved these matters.  The FERC’s investigation was terminated, and Cleco was released of any further claims arising from such investigation.  Cleco agreed to pay a one-time civil penalty of $2.0 million and adhere to a new one-year compliance plan.  At March 31, 2007, Cleco had fully reserved the civil penalty, and in June 2007, Cleco paid the penalty, the
 
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CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 
 
payment of which may not be passed through, directly or indirectly, to any current or future customers or ratepayers. 
 
Fuel Audit
On July 14, 2006, the LPSC informed Cleco Power that it was planning to conduct a periodic fuel audit.  The audit commenced on July 26, 2006, and included fuel adjustment clause filings for January 2003 through December 2004.  Cleco Power has provided to the LPSC Staff all of the requested information. The audit is pursuant to the Fuel Adjustment Clause General Order issued November 6, 1997, in Docket No. U-21497 which anticipates that an audit will be performed not less than every other year.  The LPSC Staff is performing this review, and Cleco Power expects a preliminary report to be issued when the review is complete. Management is unable to predict the results of the LPSC audit, which could require Cleco Power to refund previously recovered revenue and could result in a significant material adverse effect on the Registrants’ results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows.  
 
Other
Cleco has accrued for liabilities to third parties, employee medical benefits, storm damages, and deductibles under insurance policies that it maintains on major properties, primarily generation stations and transmission substations.
Consistent with regulatory treatment, annual charges to operating expenses to provide a reserve for future storm damages are based upon the average amount of noncapital, uninsured storm damages experienced by Cleco Power during the previous six years, excluding costs for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
 
Risks and Uncertainties
 
Cleco
Cleco Corporation could be subject to possible adverse consequences if Cleco’s counterparties fail to perform their obligations or if Cleco Corporation or its affiliates are not in compliance with loan agreements or bond indentures.
 
Williams
The credit ratings of the senior unsecured debt of The Williams Companies, Inc. (Moody’s – Ba2; Standard & Poor’s – BB), the parent company of Williams under the Evangeline Tolling Agreement, remain below “investment grade.”  The following list discusses some possible adverse consequences if Williams should fail to perform its obligations under the Evangeline Tolling Agreement:
 
§  
If Williams’ failure to perform constituted a default under the tolling agreement, the holders of the Evangeline bonds would have the right to declare the entire outstanding principal amount ($180.9 million at June 30, 2007) and interest to be immediately due and payable, which could result in:
§  
Cleco seeking to refinance the bonds, the terms of which may be less favorable than existing terms;
§  
Cleco causing Evangeline to seek protection under federal bankruptcy laws; or
§  
the trustee of the bonds foreclosing on the mortgage and assuming ownership of the Evangeline plant;
§  
Cleco may not be able to enter into agreements in replacement of the Evangeline Tolling Agreement on terms as favorable as that agreement or at all;
§  
Cleco’s equity investment in Evangeline may be impaired, requiring a write-down to its fair market value, which could be substantial; and
§  
Cleco’s credit ratings could be downgraded, which would increase borrowing costs and limit sources of financing.
 
In May 2007, The Williams Companies, Inc. agreed to sell substantially all of its power assets, including its tolling agreement with Evangeline, to Bear Energy LP.  The sale, which is subject to regulatory and other approvals, is expected to close no later than the fourth quarter of 2007.  Management anticipates an improvement in Evangeline's senior secured debt rating due to the more favorable credit rating of Bear Stearns Companies, Inc.
 
CES
In December 2005, the Calpine Debtors filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the Calpine Debtors Bankruptcy Court and filed a motion with the court seeking to reject the Calpine Tolling Agreements.  For additional information about the Calpine bankruptcy and subsequent Acadia settlement, see Note 16 — “Calpine Bankruptcy.”
Although neither Acadia nor Cleco were required to record an impairment of their assets or equity investment at June 30, 2007, future events could cause the valuation of those assets or equity investment to be higher than market whereby an impairment would be required and Cleco’s financial condition would be adversely affected.  
 
Other
Financing for operational needs and construction requirements is dependent upon the cost and availability of external funds from capital markets and financial institutions. Access to funds is dependent upon factors such as general economic conditions, regulatory authorizations and policies, the credit ratings of Cleco Corporation and Cleco Power, the cash flows from routine operations and the credit ratings of project counterparties. If Cleco Corporation’s credit rating was to be downgraded by Moody’s or by Standard & Poor’s, Cleco Corporation would be required to pay additional fees and higher interest rates under its bank credit and other debt agreements.
 
Cleco Power
Cleco Power supplies a portion of its customers’ electric power requirements from its own generation facilities.  In addition to power obtained from power purchase agreements, Cleco Power purchases power from other utilities and
 
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CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 
 
marketers to supplement its generation at times of relatively high demand or when the purchase price of power is less than its own cost of generation. Because of its location on the transmission grid, Cleco Power relies on two main suppliers of electric transmission when accessing external power markets.  At times, constraints limit the amount of purchased power these transmission providers can deliver into Cleco Power‘s service territory.
Financing for operational needs and construction requirements is dependent upon the cost and availability of external funds from capital markets and financial institutions. Access to funds is dependent upon factors such as general economic conditions, regulatory authorizations and policies, the credit ratings of Cleco Corporation and Cleco Power, the cash flows from routine operations and the credit ratings of project counterparties. If Cleco Power’s credit rating was to be downgraded by Moody’s or by Standard & Poor’s, Cleco Power would be required to pay additional fees and higher interest rates under its bank credit and other debt agreements.
Under the terms of the Amended EPC Contract, in the event Cleco Power does not maintain a senior unsecured credit rating of either: (i) Baa3 or better from Moody’s or (ii) BBB- or better from Standard  & Poor’s, Cleco Power will be required to provide a letter of credit to Shaw in the amount of $20.0 million.  In the event of further downgrade to both of its credit ratings to:  (i) Ba2 or below from Moody’s, and (ii) BB or below from Standard & Poor’s, Cleco Power will be required to provide an additional $15.0 million letter of credit to Shaw.
 
Note 9 — Disclosures about Guarantees

Cleco Corporation and Cleco Power have agreed to contractual terms that require them to pay third parties if certain triggering events occur. These contractual terms generally are defined as guarantees in FIN 45. Guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002, that fall within the initial recognition scope of FIN 45 are required to be recorded as a liability. Outstanding guarantees that fall within the disclosure scope of FIN 45 are required to be disclosed for all accounting periods ending after December 15, 2002.
Guarantees and indemnifications were issued in connection with the sale of the generation assets to Entergy Louisiana by Perryville.  These guarantees and indemnifications fall within the recognition scope of FIN 45 because they relate to the past performance, indemnity, representation, and warranty obligations of the disposed assets and also contain provisions requiring payment for potential damages.  The potential length of these liabilities range from a five-year life to an indefinite life.  Each indemnification and guarantee was assigned a probability and an estimate of potential damages.  The maximum aggregate potential damages under the guarantees and indemnifications are $42.4 million (excluding maximum aggregate potential damages of $100.0 million for discharge of project debt discussed in more detail below and the indemnification of environmental matters to which there is no limit).  On June 30, 2005, Perryville paid all interest and principal owed under the Senior Loan Agreement, and on July 19, 2005, it exercised offset rights against MAI to satisfy its obligations of $98.7 million under the Subordinated Loan Agreement.  As a result, it is unlikely that Cleco Corporation will have any other liabilities which would give rise to indemnity claims against Perryville and trigger any actual obligation under the $100.0 million portion of the guarantee which terminates on June 30, 2010.  The discounted probability-weighted liability under the guarantees and indemnifications as of June 30, 2007, calculated in accordance with FIN 45, was $0.3 million.
Guarantees and indemnifications were issued in connection with the asset sales of Cleco Energy's oil and gas properties and natural gas pipelines.  These guarantees and indemnifications fall within the recognition scope of FIN 45, because they relate to the past performance obligations of the disposed assets and also contain provisions requiring payment for potential damages.  The potential liabilities expire either after a two- or five-year life.  Each indemnification and guarantee was assigned probabilities and estimates of potential damages.  On September 15, 2006, the portion of the guarantee with a two-year life expired.  The maximum aggregate potential payment under the guarantees and indemnifications is $1.2 million.  The discounted probability-weighted liability under the guarantees and indemnifications as of June 30, 2007, was $0.1 million.  The buyers of the Cleco Energy assets would be entitled to amounts under the guarantees and indemnifications due to breach or default of performance of Cleco Energy under their respective sale agreements.  Cleco Corporation has guaranteed Cleco Energy’s indemnification obligations under the sale agreements.  Maximum potential payments under the Cleco Corporation guarantees are $1.4 million but are not within the recognition scope of FIN 45.
In its bylaws, Cleco Corporation has agreed to indemnify directors, officers, agents and employees who are made a party to a pending or completed suit, arbitration, investigation, or other proceeding whether civil, criminal, investigative or administrative, if the basis of inclusion arises as the result of acts conducted in the discharge of their official capacity. Cleco Corporation has purchased various insurance policies to reduce the risks associated with the indemnification. In its Operating Agreement, Cleco Power provides for the same indemnification as described above with respect to its managers, officers, agents, and employees.
Cleco Corporation has issued guarantees and a letter of credit to support the activities of Perryville, Attala, and Evangeline.  These commitments are not within the scope of FIN 45, since these are guarantees of performance by wholly owned subsidiaries.  For information regarding these commitments, see Note 8 — “Litigation and Other Commitments and Contingencies — Off-Balance Sheet Commitments.”
Under the Lignite Mining Agreement, Cleco Power and SWEPCO have agreed to pay the lignite miner’s loan and lease principal obligation.  For information on the Lignite Mining Agreement, see Note 8 — “Litigation and Other Commitments and Contingencies — Off-Balance Sheet Commitments.”
Generally, neither Cleco Corporation nor Cleco Power has recourse that would enable them to recover amounts paid under the guarantees. The one exception is the insurance
 
34

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CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 
 
contracts associated with the indemnification of directors, managers, officers, agents and employees. There are no assets held as collateral for third parties that either Cleco Corporation or Cleco Power could obtain and liquidate to recover amounts paid pursuant to the guarantees.
 
Note 10 — Preferred Stock

Within the ESOP, each share of Cleco Corporation 8.125% Convertible Preferred Stock Series 1991 (ESOP preferred stock) was convertible into 9.6 shares of Cleco Corporation common stock (Cleco common stock).  The annual dividend rate on a share of ESOP preferred stock was generally the higher of $8.125 per share or 9.6 times the annual dividend rate for a share of Cleco common stock.
At December 31, 2006, the ESOP had allocated 190,635 shares of ESOP preferred stock to 401(k) Plan participants.  In March 2007, in order to comply with provisions of the Pension Protection Act of 2006, 190,372 shares of ESOP preferred stock were converted into 1.8 million shares of Cleco common stock. The ESOP trustee holds the newly converted shares of Cleco common stock on behalf of the 401(k) Plan participants.
As a result of this conversion, total shareholders’ equity reported on Cleco Corporation’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at June 30, 2007, did not change. Cleco Corporation recorded a $19.1 million reduction in preferred stock with a corresponding increase in common shareholders’ equity.
 
Note 11 — Pension Plan and Employee Benefits

Pension Plan and Other Benefits Plan
Most employees are covered by a noncontributory, defined benefit pension plan. Benefits under the plan reflect an employee’s years of service, age at retirement, and highest total average compensation for any consecutive five calendar years during the last 10 years of employment with Cleco Corporation. Cleco Corporation’s policy is to base its contributions to the employee pension plan upon actuarial computations utilizing the projected unit credit method, subject to the IRS’s full funding limitation.  No contributions to the pension plan were made during the six months ended June 30, 2007.  During 2007, a contribution is not expected to be required by funding regulations.  A discretionary contribution may be made during 2007; however, the decision by management to make a contribution and the amount, if any, has not been determined.  Cleco Power is considered the plan sponsor, and Support Group is considered the plan administrator.  In July 2007, Cleco Corporation’s Board of Directors approved an amendment to the pension plan to provide that employees hired or rehired on or after August 1, 2007, will not be eligible for benefits under the pension plan.
Cleco Corporation’s retirees and their dependents are eligible to receive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits (other benefits). Cleco Corporation recognizes the expected cost of these benefits during the periods in which the benefits are earned.

The components of net periodic pension and other benefit cost for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, and 2006, are as follows:
             
   
PENSION BENEFITS
   
OTHER BENEFITS
 
   
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
 
(THOUSANDS)
 
2007
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
 
Components of periodic benefit costs
                       
Service cost
  $
1,910
    $
2,069
    $
355
    $
376
 
Interest cost
   
3,863
     
3,507
     
460
     
415
 
Expected return on plan assets
    (4,748 )     (4,851 )    
-
     
-
 
Transition obligation
   
-
     
-
     
5
     
5
 
Prior period service cost (benefit)
   
213
     
239
      (515 )     (527 )
Net loss
   
467
     
1,143
     
250
     
221
 
Net periodic benefit cost
  $
1,705
    $
2,107
    $
555
    $
490
 

             
   
PENSION BENEFITS
   
OTHER BENEFITS
 
   
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
 
(THOUSANDS)
 
2007
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
 
Components of periodic benefit costs
                       
Service cost
  $
3,820
    $
3,921
    $
710
    $
769
 
Interest cost
   
7,725
     
7,211
     
920
     
847
 
Expected return on plan assets
    (9,495 )     (9,143 )    
-
     
-
 
Transition obligation
   
-
     
-
     
10
     
10
 
Prior period service cost (benefit)
   
425
     
486
      (1,030 )     (1,033 )
Net loss
   
935
     
1,272
     
500
     
433
 
Net periodic benefit cost
  $
3,410
    $
3,747
    $
1,110
    $
1,026
 
 
Since Cleco Power is the pension plan sponsor and the related trust holds the assets, the accrued liability of the pension plan is reflected at Cleco Power.  The liability of Cleco Corporation’s other subsidiaries is transferred, with a like amount of assets, to Cleco Power monthly.  The expense of the pension plan related to Cleco Corporation’s other subsidiaries for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, was $0.5 million and $1.1 million, respectively. The expense of the pension plan related to Cleco Corporation’s other subsidiaries for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006, was $0.5 million and $1.1 million, respectively.
Cleco Corporation is the plan sponsor for the other benefits.  There are no assets set aside in a trust, and the liabilities are reported on the individual subsidiaries’ financial statements.  The expense related to other benefits reflected on Cleco Power’s Condensed Statements of Income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, was $0.5 million and $0.9 million, respectively.  The expense related to other benefits reflected on Cleco Power’s Condensed Statements of Income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006, was $0.4 million and $0.9 million, respectively.
 
SERP
Certain key executives and key managers are covered by the SERP. The SERP is a non-qualified, non-contributory, defined benefit pension plan. Benefits under the plan reflect an employee’s years of service, age at retirement, and the sum of the highest base salary paid out of the last five calendar years and the average of the three highest bonuses paid during the last 60 months prior to retirement, reduced by benefits received from any other defined benefit pension plan. Cleco Corporation does not fund the SERP liability, but instead pays
 
35

CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 
 
for current benefits out of the general funds available. Cleco Power has formed a “rabbi trust” designated as the beneficiary for life insurance policies issued on the SERP participants. Proceeds from the life insurance policies are expected to be used to pay SERP participants’ life insurance benefits, as well as future SERP payments. However, since this is a non-qualified plan, the assets of the trust could be used to satisfy general creditors of Cleco Power in the event of insolvency. No contributions to the SERP were made during the six months ended June 30, 2007, and 2006.  Cleco Power is considered the plan sponsor, and Support Group is considered the plan administrator.
The components of the net SERP cost are as follows:
             
   
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
   
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
 
(THOUSANDS)
 
2007
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
 
Components of periodic benefit costs
                       
Service cost
  $
290
    $
350
    $
580
    $
690
 
Interest cost
   
438
     
425
     
875
     
793
 
Prior period service cost
   
12
     
13
     
25
     
27
 
Net loss
   
243
     
216
     
485
     
418
 
Net periodic benefit cost
  $
983
    $
1,004
    $
1,965
    $
1,928
 
 
The SERP has no assets, and liabilities are reported on the individual subsidiaries’ financial statements.  The expense related to the SERP reflected on Cleco Power’s Condensed Statements of Income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, was $0.3 million and $0.5 million, respectively.  The expense related to the SERP reflected on Cleco Power’s Condensed Statements of Income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006, was $0.2 million and $0.5 million, respectively.
 
401(k) Plan/ESOP
Most employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) Plan, which was amended in April 1991 to include a leveraged ESOP.  The ESOP was established with 300,000 shares of ESOP preferred stock which served as Cleco Corporation’s match to employees’ 401(k) Plan contributions and funded dividend payments on allocated shares.  Compensation expense related to the 401(k) Plan was based upon the value of the shares of ESOP preferred stock allocated to 401(k) Plan participants and the amount of interest incurred by the ESOP, less dividends on unallocated shares held by the ESOP.  
At March 31, 2006, substantially all of the shares of ESOP preferred stock were fully allocated to current and former 401(k) Plan participants. Beginning April 1, 2006, Cleco Corporation made matching contributions to, and funded dividend reinvestments by, 401(k) Plan participants with Cleco common stock.  Compensation expense related to the newly issued common shares is based upon the fair market value of the common stock issued to 401(k) Plan participants.  At June 30, 2007, and December 31, 2006, Cleco Corporation had issued 227,016 and 140,189 shares of Cleco common stock, respectively, to 401(k) Plan participants, including dividend reinvestments.
On March 26, 2007, the ESOP trustee converted all outstanding 190,372 shares of ESOP preferred stock into 1.8 million shares of Cleco common stock.  For more information on the conversion, see Note 10 — “Preferred Stock.”
The table below contains information about the 401(k) Plan and the ESOP:
       
   
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
 
(THOUSANDS)
 
2007
   
2006
 
401(k) Plan expense
  $
601
    $
576
 
Dividend requirements to ESOP on convertible preferred stock
  $
-
    $
414
 
Interest incurred by ESOP on its indebtedness
  $
-
    $
-
 

       
   
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
 
(THOUSANDS)
 
2007
   
2006
 
401(k) Plan expense
  $
1,499
    $
676
 
Dividend requirements to ESOP on convertible preferred stock
  $
411
    $
863
 
Interest incurred by ESOP on its indebtedness
  $
-
    $
8
 
 
Cleco Power is the plan sponsor for the 401(k) Plan.  The expense of the 401(k) Plan related to Cleco Corporation’s other subsidiaries for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, was $0.2 million and $0.4 million, respectively.  The expense of the 401(k) Plan related to Cleco Corporation’s other subsidiaries for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006, was $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively.  The expense related to the dividend requirements on the shares of ESOP preferred stock is reflected on Cleco Corporation’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, and 2006.
 
Note 12 — Income Taxes

The following tables summarize the effective income tax rates for Cleco Corporation and Cleco Power for the three- and six- month periods ended June 30, 2007, and June 30, 2006.
       
   
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
 
Cleco Corporation
    32.9 %     36.6 %
Cleco Power
    25.9 %     31.4 %

       
   
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
 
Cleco Corporation
    31.6 %     35.5 %
Cleco Power
    23.8 %     32.5 %
 
Cleco Corporation’s and Cleco Power’s effective income tax rates for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2007, decreased compared to the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2006, as shown in the tables above.  A common contributing factor includes the flow-through of tax benefits associated with AFUDC equity recorded as a result of the construction of Rodemacher Unit 3.  Tax rates also were affected by the relative size of pre-tax income related to this item.
Effective January 1, 2007, Cleco adopted the provisions of FIN 48 which provide guidance on accounting for uncertain
 
36

CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 
 
tax positions.  During 2006, Cleco included all interest related to uncertain tax positions as a component of tax expense and taxes payable.  Subsequent to the adoption of FIN 48, Cleco classified all interest related to uncertain tax positions as a component of interest expense and interest payable.  As of the second quarter of 2006, $(0.5) million of interest expense, net of the tax benefit, was included in tax expense and was not reclassified in the financial statements.  The total amount of interest associated with tax positions recognized on the balance sheets of Cleco Corporation and Cleco Power as of the date of adoption was $16.7 million and $10.2 million, respectively, and $23.4 million and $13.8 million as of June 30, 2007, respectively.  There was no additional interest expense recognized at the date of adoption.  The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits for Cleco Corporation and Cleco Power as of the date of adoption was $62.3 million and $30.9 million, respectively, and $92.0 million and $65.6 million as of June 30, 2007, respectively.  Approximately $33.1 million of the increase was mainly due to adjustments taken on the 2005 federal income tax return for an indirect cost study and a casualty loss deduction.  Approximately $1.3 million of the increase was due to a request for refund filed with the IRS due to the deduction for the tax life of street lights and meters from a 1997 cost segregation study.  In addition, approximately $0.9 million of the increase was due to current year activity for uncertain tax positions.  Partially offsetting these increases was $5.6 million attributable to a change in the estimate for the FIN 48 liability related to Evangeline tax depreciation.  Due to settlement discussions with the IRS, management believes that some of these unrecognized benefits may be recognized, resulting in an approximate $1.0 million benefit to tax expense.
The federal income tax years that remain subject to examination by the IRS are 2001-2006.  The Louisiana state income tax years that remain subject to examination by the Louisiana Department of Revenue are 1998-2006.
During the six months ended June 30, 2007, there were no decreases in unrecognized tax benefits relating to settlements or a lapse of the applicable statute of limitation, and there were no material changes to tax years that remain subject to examination by major tax jurisdictions.
 
Note 13 — Deferred Fuel and Purchased Power Costs

The cost of fuel used for electric generation and the cost of power purchased for utility customers are recovered through the LPSC-established fuel adjustment clause, which enables Cleco Power to pass on to its customers substantially all such charges.  For the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, approximately 96% of Cleco Power’s total fuel cost was regulated by the LPSC, while the remainder was regulated by the FERC. Deferred fuel and purchased power costs recorded at June 30, 2007, and December 31, 2006, were under-recoveries of $53.0 million and $77.4 million, respectively, and are scheduled to be collected from customers in future months.  The $24.4 million decrease in the unrecovered costs was primarily the result of a $38.4 million decrease in deferred losses associated with open natural gas hedge positions along with $2.2 million of lower deferred losses in closed natural gas hedge positions, both due to increases in natural gas prices since December 31, 2006.  The lower deferred losses were partially offset by the deferral of $16.2 million in additional fuel and purchased power costs.
For additional information on Cleco Power’s treatment of natural gas hedges, see Note 1 — “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Risk Management.”
 
Note 14 — Affiliate Transactions

Cleco has affiliate balances that were not eliminated as of June 30, 2007.  The balances were not eliminated due to the use of the equity method of accounting for Evangeline, Perryville, Attala, and Acadia.  At June 30, 2007, the payable to Evangeline was $3.8 million, and the payable to Perryville was $13.5 million.  Also, at June 30, 2007, the receivable from Evangeline was $0.8 million, the receivable from Perryville was $10.5 million, and the receivable from APH was $5.7 million.
Cleco Power has affiliate balances that are payable to or due from its affiliates.  At June 30, 2007, the payable to Cleco Corporation was $4.9 million, and the payable to Support Group was $5.1 million.  Also, at June 30, 2007, the receivable from Cleco Corporation was $0.6 million, the receivable from Support Group was $1.1 million, and the receivable from other affiliates was less than $0.1 million.
 
Note 15 — Debt

Long-term Debt
At June 30, 2007, and December 31, 2006, Cleco’s long-term debt outstanding was $644.3 million and $619.3 million, respectively.  The $25.0 million increase primarily was due to $125.0 million in draws against Cleco Power’s credit facility, classified as long-term debt.  This was partially offset by the reclassification of $100.0 million of 7.00% Senior Notes at Cleco Corporation to long-term debt due within one year.
During the first six months of 2007, Cleco Power repaid $10.0 million of 6.53% medium-term notes and $15.0 million of 7.50% medium-term notes, both at maturity.  These issues were classified as long-term debt due within one year; therefore, these repayments did not affect the total amount of long-term debt recorded.
 
Note 16 — Calpine Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy Proceedings
In December 2005, the Calpine Debtors filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the Calpine Debtors Bankruptcy Court.  CAH, a wholly owned subsidiary of Calpine, is one of the Calpine Debtors.  CAH owns a 50% interest in Acadia, and APH owns the other 50% interest in Acadia.  Acadia owns a 1,160-MW natural gas-fired power plant.  
In December 2005, the Calpine Debtors filed a motion with the Calpine Debtors Bankruptcy Court seeking to reject the Calpine Tolling Agreements in addition to six other power supply contracts with other entities.  The rejection motion was referred to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of
 
37

CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 
 
New York, and in January 2006, a federal judge dismissed the motion.  The Calpine Debtors have appealed the decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, where it remains pending.
In March 2006, the Calpine Debtors Bankruptcy Court entered an order permitting Acadia to suspend its obligations to CES under the Calpine Tolling Agreements in view of CES’s non-performance of the agreements.
 
Settlement Agreement
On April 23, 2007, Cleco announced that a settlement agreement had been reached with Calpine, subject to the approval of the Calpine Debtors Bankruptcy Court, which resolves issues related to the Acadia power plant.  The settlement includes the fixing of Acadia’s claims against the Calpine Debtors and an agreement by the parties to certain bidding procedures (Bidding Procedures) which would govern the sale of CAH’s interest in Acadia and certain related assets (collectively, the CAH Assets).  On May 9, 2007, the Calpine Debtors Bankruptcy Court approved the terms of the settlement and entered orders approving the Claims Settlement Agreement and the Bidding Procedures.  
The Claims Settlement Agreement addresses Acadia’s outstanding claims against the Calpine Debtors.  Under the Claims Settlement Agreement, Acadia received a pre-petition general unsecured claim against each of CES and Calpine (as guarantor of CES’s obligations under the Calpine Tolling Agreements) for $185.0 million, which takes into account prior draws made by APH under a letter of credit in the aggregate amount of $15.0 million.  Acadia made a dividend by assignment to APH for its portion of the claims.
On May 22, 2007, APH sold its claims of $85.0 million against CES and Calpine to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. at 92% of face value.  The pre-tax proceeds from this sale were $78.2 million.
The Bidding Procedures Order sets forth the procedures governing the sale of the CAH Assets.  Under the Bidding Procedures Order, APH agreed to serve as the “stalking horse bidder” for the CAH Assets.  APH’s agreement is subject to certain terms and conditions, including payment to APH of a $2.9 million break-up fee in the event APH is not the successful purchaser.  APH and CAH entered into a purchase agreement whereby APH agreed to purchase the CAH Assets for $60.0 million plus assumed liabilities, subject to any higher or better offers which may be received by CAH in connection with the bankruptcy court sponsored auction. APH paid a $5.0 million initial deposit to an escrow agent at the time of the execution of the purchase agreement and an additional deposit of $5.0 million was paid on July 27, 2007.
The Calpine Debtors Bankruptcy Court approved the transfer of the operations, maintenance and project management functions of the Acadia power plant to Cleco Generation Services LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Midstream.  The transfer will occur upon the closing of the CAH asset sale, whether APH or another bidder is the successful purchaser at the auction.  A subsidiary of Calpine has been performing these functions since the Acadia power plant became operational.
At the closing of the sale, APH will also acquire, for $1.25 million (subject, in certain circumstances, to reduction), Calpine’s interest in Acadia’s claim against Cleco Power regarding a potential electric metering error at the Acadia power plant.
 
Note 17 — Subsequent Event

Acadia Auction Results
On July 30, 2007, CAH conducted an auction for the CAH Assets.  APH participated in the auction.  At the conclusion of the auction, Cajun Gas Energy, L.L.C. (Cajun), an affiliate of pooled investment funds managed by King Street Capital Management, L.L.C., emerged as the successful bidder, with a price of $189.0 million.  APH will receive payment from Cajun at the closing of Cajun’s purchase of CAH Assets in the amount of $85.0 million for the agreed upon value of the priority distribution, plus a $2.9 million break-up fee and other expense reimbursements not to exceed $350,000 under the Bidding Procedures Order.  This $85.0 million payment is separate from APH’s $85.0 million pre-petition unsecured claim that it sold on May 22, 2007.    
A hearing for the Calpine Debtors Bankruptcy Court to consider the sale of the CAH Assets to Cajun was held on August 1, 2007.  The Calpine Debtors Bankruptcy Court approved the sale, and it is expected that an order will be entered in the near term finalizing the sale.  Once all regulatory approvals have been received, the sale is expected to be consummated during the fourth quarter of 2007.  APH will retain its 50% membership interest in Acadia.
 
38

CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 

ITEM 2.    MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis should be read in combination with the Registrants’ Combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, and Cleco Corporation’s and Cleco Power’s Condensed Financial Statements contained in this Form 10-Q. The information included therein is essential to understanding the following discussion and analysis.  Below is information concerning the consolidated results of operations of Cleco for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, and June 30, 2006.
 
OVERVIEW

Cleco is a regional energy services holding company that conducts substantially all of its business operations through its two principal operating business segments:
 
§  
Cleco Power, an integrated electric utility services subsidiary regulated by the LPSC and the FERC, among other regulators, which also engages in energy management activities, and
§  
Midstream, a merchant energy subsidiary regulated by the FERC, that owns and operates a merchant generation station and invests in a joint venture that owns and operates a merchant generation station.
 
While management believes that Cleco remains a strong company, Cleco continues to focus on several significant factors affecting Cleco Power and Midstream as described below.
 
Cleco Power
Many factors affect the opportunities, challenges, and risks of Cleco Power's primary business of selling electricity.  These factors include the presence of a stable regulatory environment, which includes recovery of costs and maintenance of a competitive return on equity; the ability to achieve energy sales growth while containing costs; and the ability to recover costs related to growing demand and rising fuel prices and increasingly stringent regulatory and environmental standards.  
As part of its plan to resolve long-term capacity needs, Cleco Power began construction of Rodemacher Unit 3 in May 2006, which, upon completion, will provide a portion of the utility’s future power supply needs and help stabilize customer fuel costs.  The project’s capital cost, including carrying costs during construction, is estimated at $1.0 billion.  Cleco Power anticipates the plant will be operational in the fourth quarter of 2009.  For additional information, see “— Financial Condition — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Regulatory Matters — Rodemacher Unit 3.”
In 2005, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita caused catastrophic damage to the Gulf Coast region, including Cleco Power's service territory.  Storm restoration costs from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita are currently estimated to total $157.0 million, a decrease from the original estimate of $161.8 million filed with the LPSC.  In March 2007, Cleco Power and the LPSC Staff filed a settlement agreement allowing the recovery of storm restoration costs.  For additional information, see Item 1, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data — Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements — Note 2 — Regulatory Assets and Liabilities.” 
Cleco Power is exploring the potential reimbursement of storm restoration costs from the U.S. Government to reduce the amount to be recovered from customers.  Cleco Power cannot predict with certainty that any reimbursement from the U.S. Government or securitization of costs will be approved or that any such financing can be consummated.  Previously, Cleco Power was exploring the possibility of financing the storm restoration costs with tax-exempt bonds through the Gulf Opportunities Zone Act of 2005 (the GO Zone Act).  The Louisiana State Bond Commission granted preliminary approval to Cleco Power for the issuance of up to $160.0 million of tax-exempt bonds under the GO Zone Act.  Currently, Cleco Power has identified certain projects in the Gulf Opportunities Zone areas to be completed by 2010 and has filed a supplemental application with the Louisiana Public Finance Authority to reduce the amount of bonds requested to $100.0 million, which would provide proceeds to fund capital expenditures in those identified areas.  It is not certain that final approval will be granted by the Louisiana State Bond Commission as a result of the limited supply of available GO Zone Act financing capacity.
 
Midstream
In December 2005, the Calpine Debtors filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code and subsequently filed a motion with the Calpine Debtors Bankruptcy Court to reject the Calpine Tolling Agreements.  In March 2006, Acadia and CES executed amendments to the Calpine Tolling Agreements, which were approved by the Calpine Debtors Bankruptcy Court, permitting Acadia to suspend its obligations under the agreements.  
On April 23, 2007, Cleco announced that a settlement, subject to bankruptcy court approval, had been reached with Calpine that resolves issues surrounding the Calpine bankruptcy filing.  On May 9, 2007, the Calpine Debtors Bankruptcy Court approved the terms of the April 23, 2007, settlement agreement.  Under the settlement, Acadia received a pre-petition general unsecured claim against Calpine of $185.0 million in connection with the Calpine Tolling Agreements and Calpine’s guaranty of those agreements.  Acadia made a dividend by assignment to APH for its portion of the claims.  On May 22, 2007, APH sold the claim of $85.0 million at 92% of face value.  Additionally, APH agreed to purchase Calpine’s ownership interest in Acadia for $60.0 million, subject to higher or better offers Calpine received in the bankruptcy court-sponsored auction.  The auction was held on July 30, 2007, and Cajun Gas Energy, L.L.C. (Cajun), an affiliate of pooled investment funds managed by King Street Capital Management, L.L.C., emerged as the successful bidder.  The Calpine Debtors Bankruptcy Court approved the sale to Cajun on August 1, 2007.  The Calpine Debtors Bankruptcy Court
 
39

CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 
 
approved the transfer of the operations, maintenance and project management functions of the Acadia facility to Midstream.  The transfer will occur upon the closing of the CAH asset sale to Cajun.  A subsidiary of Calpine has been performing these functions since the Acadia facility became operational.  For additional information on Acadia and the Calpine bankruptcy, see Item 1, “Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements — Note 16 — Calpine Bankruptcy and Note 17 — Subsequent Event.” 
Cleco continues to assess the ongoing credit condition of the Evangeline Tolling Agreement counterparty, as Midstream’s merchant energy business is heavily dependent on the performance of this tolling agreement.  For additional information on the risks associated with this tolling agreement counterparty, see Item 1, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data — Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements — Note 8 — Litigation and Other Commitments and Contingencies — Risks and Uncertainties.”
Effective February 1, 2007, the ownership interests of Midstream’s transmission interconnection facilities were transferred to Cleco Corporation.  In accordance with SFAS No. 131, the net operating results for Midstream for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006, have been adjusted to reflect this organizational change.
 
Comparison of the Three Months Ended June 30, 2007, and 2006
 
Cleco Consolidated            
         
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
 
               
FAVORABLE/(UNFAVORABLE)
 
(THOUSANDS)
 
2007
   
2006
   
VARIANCE
   
CHANGE
 
Operating revenue, net
  $
261,501
    $
250,952
    $
10,549
      4.20 %
Operating expenses
   
236,422
     
221,536
      (14,886 )     (6.72 )%
Operating income
  $
25,079
    $
29,416
    $ (4,337 )     (14.74 )%
Allowance for other funds used during construction
  $
7,032
    $
1,372
    $
5,660
      412.54 %
Equity income from investees 
  $
71,282
    $
15,233
    $
56,049
      367.94 %
Interest charges
  $
11,989
    $
10,910
    $ (1,079 )     (9.89 )%
Federal and state income taxes
  $
30,968
    $
13,459
    $ (17,509 )     (130.09 )%
Net income applicable to common stock
  $
63,179
    $
22,799
    $
40,380
      177.11 %
 
Consolidated net income applicable to common stock increased $40.4 million, or 177.1%, in the second quarter of 2007 compared to the second quarter of 2006 primarily due to increased Midstream, Cleco Power, and corporate earnings.
Operating revenue, net increased $10.5 million, or 4.2%, in the second quarter of 2007 compared to the same period of 2006 largely as a result of higher fuel cost recovery revenue at Cleco Power.  
Operating expenses increased $14.9 million, or 6.7%, in the second quarter of 2007 compared to the second quarter of 2006 primarily due to increased fuel costs and higher depreciation expense at Cleco Power.  The resulting change in operating income was primarily due to the higher depreciation expense at Cleco Power.
Allowance for other funds used during construction increased $5.7 million, or 412.5%, in the second quarter of 2007 compared to the same period of 2006 primarily due to increased construction activity at Rodemacher Unit 3.
Equity income from investees increased $56.0 million, or 367.9%, in the second quarter of 2007 compared to the same period of 2006 primarily due to increased equity earnings at APH, resulting from the settlement of Acadia’s pre-petition unsecured claims against CES and Calpine.
Interest charges increased $1.1 million, or 9.9%, in the second quarter of 2007 compared to the same period of 2006 primarily due to the accrual of interest related to uncertain tax positions at Cleco Power, which was previously reported in tax expense.
Federal and state income taxes increased $17.5 million, or 130.1%, during the second quarter of 2007 compared to the same period of 2006 primarily due to the $57.4 million increase in pre-tax income for the second quarter of 2007 compared to the same period of 2006.  The effective income tax rate decreased from 36.6% to 32.9% during the second quarter of 2007 compared to the same period of 2006, mainly due to the flow-through of tax benefits associated with AFUDC equity recorded as a result of the construction of Rodemacher Unit 3.
Results of operations for Cleco Power and Midstream are more fully described below.
 
Cleco Power            
         
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
 
               
FAVORABLE/(UNFAVORABLE)
 
(THOUSANDS)
 
2007
   
2006
   
VARIANCE
   
CHANGE
 
Operating revenue
                       
Base
  $
90,213
    $
90,677
    $ (464 )     (0.51 )%
Fuel cost recovery
   
161,696
     
150,609
     
11,087
      7.36  %
Other operations
   
7,922
     
7,883
     
39
      0.49  %
Affiliate revenue
   
13
     
12
     
1
      8.33  %
Intercompany revenue
   
502
     
500
     
2
      0.40  %
Operating revenue, net
   
260,346
     
249,681
     
10,665
      4.27  %
Operating expenses
                               
Fuel used for electricgeneration – recoverable
   
48,667
     
55,424
     
6,757
      12.19  %
Power purchased for utilitycustomers – recoverable
   
113,009
     
95,275
      (17,734 )     (18.61 )%
Non-recoverable fuel andpower purchased
   
5,228
     
4,987
      (241 )     (4.83 )%
Other operations
   
22,965
     
24,432
     
1,467
      6.00  %
Maintenance
   
14,270
     
13,591
      (679 )     (5.00 )%
Depreciation
   
19,622
     
15,301
      (4,321 )     (28.24 )%
Taxes other than incometaxes
   
9,584
     
9,887
     
303
      3.06  %
Total operating expenses
   
233,345
     
218,897
      (14,448 )     (6.60 )%
Operating income
  $
27,001
    $
30,784
    $ (3,783 )     (12.29 )%
Interest income
  $
1,060
    $
1,793
    $ (733 )     (40.88 )%
Allowance for other funds used during construction
  $
7,032
    $
1,372
    $
5,660
      412.54  %
Interest charges
  $
9,626
    $
8,924
    $ (702 )     (7.87 )%
Federal and state income taxes
  $
6,531
    $
7,802
    $
1,271
      16.29  %
Net income
  $
18,672
    $
17,047
    $
1,625
      9.53  %
 
 
40

CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 
 
Cleco Power’s net income applicable to member’s equity in the second quarter of 2007 increased $1.6 million, or 9.5%, compared to the second quarter of 2006.  Contributing factors include:
 
§  
higher allowance for other funds used during construction,
§  
lower other operations expense, and
§  
lower effective income tax rate.
 
These were partially offset by:
 
§  
higher maintenance expense,
§  
higher depreciation expense,
§  
lower interest income, and
§  
higher interest charges.

       
   
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
 
(MILLION kWh)
 
2007
   
2006
   
FAVORABLE/
(UNFAVORABLE)
 
Electric sales
                 
Residential
   
777
     
820
      (5.24 )%
Commercial
   
594
     
471
      26.11  %
Industrial
   
758
     
725
      4.55  %
Other retail
   
34
     
147
      (76.87 )%
Total retail
   
2,163
     
2,163
     
-
 
Sales for resale
   
117
     
114
      2.63  %
Unbilled
   
182
     
224
      (18.75 )%
Total retail and wholesale customer sales
   
2,462
     
2,501
      (1.56 )%

       
   
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
 
(THOUSANDS)
 
2007
   
2006
   
FAVORABLE/
(UNFAVORABLE)
 
Electric sales
                 
Residential
  $
36,113
    $
37,529
      (3.77 )%
Commercial
   
22,654
     
17,844
      26.96  %
Industrial
   
14,077
     
13,773
      2.21  %
Other retail
   
1,427
     
5,726
      (75.08 )%
Storm surcharge
   
5,720
     
3,926
      45.70  %
Total retail
   
79,991
     
78,798
      1.51  %
Sales for resale
   
4,044
     
4,282
      (5.56 )%
Unbilled
   
6,178
     
7,597
      (18.68 )%
Total retail and wholesale customer sales
  $
90,213
    $
90,677
      (0.51 )%
 
During the third quarter of 2006, a review of customer rate schedules was performed by Cleco Power and certain other retail customers were reclassified to the commercial class of customers.  As a result of this reclassification, commercial electric sales increased 27.0%, as reflected in the chart above.  This reclassification had no impact on base revenue during the second quarter of 2007.
Cleco Power’s residential customers’ demand for electricity largely is affected by weather.  Weather generally is measured in cooling degree-days and heating degree-days.  A cooling degree-day is an indication of the likelihood that a consumer will use air conditioning, while a heating degree-day is an indication of the likelihood that a consumer will use heating.  An increase in heating degree-days does not produce the same increase in revenue as an increase in cooling degree-days, because alternative heating sources are more available.  Normal heating degree-days and cooling degree-days are calculated for a month by separately calculating the average actual heating and cooling degree-days for that month over a period of 30 years.
The following chart shows how cooling degree-days varied from normal conditions and from the prior period. Cleco Power uses temperature data collected by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to determine degree-days.
                   
               
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
 
                     
2007 CHANGE
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
NORMAL
   
PRIOR YEAR
   
NORMAL
 
Cooling degree-days
   
922
     
1,074
     
898
      (14.15 )%     2.67 %
 
Base
Base revenue during the second quarter of 2007 decreased $0.5 million, or 0.5%, compared to the same period in 2006. The decrease primarily was due to slightly lower retail and wholesale kWh sales, primarily from milder weather as compared to the same period in 2006.  Partially offsetting this decrease was the recovery of storm restoration costs through a monthly customer surcharge that began in May 2006.  These storm-related costs are being amortized to depreciation expense based on the amounts collected monthly from customers through this surcharge.  
During the third and fourth quarters of 2007, Cleco Power is expected to begin providing service to expansions of current customers’ operations, as well as services to new commercial and industrial customers.  As a result of the expansions and new customers, the addition of 5 MWs, which approximates $0.6 million of base revenue annually, is expected during 2007.
In July 2007, a large industrial customer began operations of a cogeneration project.  The project is a 15-MW unit on site fueled by waste heat.  The project displaced the customer’s load of 12 MW, and the remaining 3 MW is being purchased by Cleco Power under a power purchase agreement.  The annual base revenue reduction from this customer is expected to be approximately $1.3 million.
During the second quarter of 2007, another industrial customer began construction of a cogeneration project.  This project is designed to displace 30-MW of the customer’s 38-MW load.  Potential annual base revenue reduction from this customer is expected to be between $2.0 and $3.0 million, depending on final contract terms.  This project is expected to be operational during the third quarter of 2008.
During the second quarter of 2007, Cleco Power received notification from one of its wholesale customers that it would be canceling its energy services agreement.  This agreement has a one-year notification; therefore, the annual base revenue reduction of approximately $0.7 million is expected to begin during the second quarter of 2008.
Cleco Power began selling fixed-priced power to a 30-MW wholesale customer on January 1, 2006.  As a result of the fixed-price contract, the new customer is expected to increase base revenue while potentially diluting earnings in years 2007 and 2008.  In years 2009 through 2012, Cleco Power anticipates earnings accretion related to this contract.  For additional information on Cleco’s energy commodity activities, see
 
41

CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 
 
Item 3, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk — Risk Overview — Commodity Price Risks.”  For information on the effects of future energy sales on Cleco Power’s financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows, see “Risk Factors — Future Electricity Sales” in the Registrants’ Combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.
 
Fuel Cost Recovery
Fuel cost recovery revenue billed to customers during the second quarter of 2007 compared to the same period in 2006 increased $11.1 million, or 7.4%, primarily due to increases in
the per-unit cost of power purchased for utility customers and fuel used for electric generation.  Changes in fuel costs historically have not significantly affected Cleco Power’s net income.  Generally, fuel and purchased power expenses are recovered through the LPSC-established fuel adjustment clause, which enables Cleco Power to pass on to its customers substantially all such charges.  Approximately 96% of Cleco Power’s total fuel cost is regulated by the LPSC, while the remainder is regulated by the FERC.  Recovery of fuel adjustment clause costs is subject to refund until approval is received from the LPSC.  For information on Cleco Power’s ongoing 2003-2004 fuel audit, see Item 1, “Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements — Note 8 — Litigation and Other Commitments and Contingencies — Fuel Audit.”
 
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses increased $14.4 million, or 6.6%, in the second quarter of 2007 compared to the same period of 2006. Fuel used for electric generation (recoverable) decreased $6.8 million, or 12.2%, primarily due to lower volumes of fuel used as a result of plant outages as compared to the same period of 2006.  Partially offsetting this decrease was higher per-unit costs of fuel used for electric generation.  Power purchased for utility customers (recoverable) increased $17.7 million, or 18.6%, largely due to higher per-unit costs and volumes of power purchased.  Fuel used for electric generation and power purchased for utility customers generally are influenced by natural gas prices.  However, other factors such as unscheduled outages, unusual maintenance or repairs, or other developments may affect fuel used for electric generation and power purchased for utility customers.  Other operations expense decreased $1.5 million, or 6.0%, primarily due to lower employee benefit costs, lower payroll and administrative expenses, and lower accruals for third party damage claims.  Maintenance expenses during the second quarter of 2007 increased $0.7 million, or 5.0%, compared to the same period of 2006 primarily due to $3.9 million of increased generation station maintenance work performed, partially offset by a $3.2 million reclassification of certain storm amortization costs to depreciation expense during the third quarter of 2006.  Depreciation expense increased $4.3 million, or 28.2%, primarily as a result of $3.9 million of storm amortization costs and $0.4 million of normal recurring additions to fixed assets.  
 
Interest Income
Interest income decreased $0.7 million, or 40.9%, during the second quarter of 2007 compared to the same period of 2006 primarily due to lower average investment balances.  Lower investment balances were the result of construction payments for Rodemacher Unit 3 being partially funded by these investments.
 
Allowance for Other Funds Used During Construction
Allowance for other funds used during construction increased $5.7 million, or 412.5%, during the second quarter of 2007 compared to the same period of 2006 primarily due to increased construction activity at Rodemacher Unit 3.  Allowance for other funds used during construction equaled 37.7% of Cleco Power’s net income for the second quarter of 2007, compared to 8.0% for the second quarter of 2006.
 
Interest Charges
Interest charges increased $0.7 million, or 7.9%, during the second quarter of 2007 compared to the same period of 2006 primarily due to the accrual of interest related to uncertain tax positions, which was previously reported in tax expense.  For additional information, see Item 1, “Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements — Note 12 — Income Taxes.”
 
Income Taxes
Income tax expense decreased $1.3 million, or 16.3%, during the second quarter of 2007 compared to the same period of 2006.  Cleco Power’s effective income tax rate decreased from 31.4% to 25.9% during the second quarter of 2007 compared to the same period of 2006. The decrease in the rate was primarily due to the flow-through of tax benefits associated with AFUDC equity recorded as a result of the construction of Rodemacher Unit 3.  
 
Midstream      
   
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
 
               
FAVORABLE/(UNFAVORABLE)
 
(THOUSANDS)
 
2007
   
2006
   
VARIANCE
   
CHANGE
 
Operating revenue
                       
Other operations
  $
4
    $
1
    $
3
      300.00  %
Affiliate revenue
   
1,160
     
1,138
     
22
      1.93  %
Operating revenue
   
1,164
     
1,139
     
25
      2.19  %
Operating expenses
                               
Other operations
   
2,006
     
1,400
      (606 )     (43.29 )%
Maintenance
   
601
     
537
      (64 )     (11.92 )%
Depreciation
   
79
     
78
      (1 )     (1.28 )%
Taxes other than incometaxes
   
77
     
65
      (12 )     (18.46 )%
Total operatingexpenses
   
2,763
     
2,080
      (683 )     (32.84 )%
Operating loss
  $ (1,599 )   $ (941 )   $ (658 )     (69.93 )%
Equity income from investees
  $
70,755
    $
13,476
    $
57,279
      425.04  %
Interest charges
  $
5,521
    $
4,645
    $ (876 )     (18.86 )%
Federal and state income tax expense
  $
25,015
    $
4,018
    $ (20,997 )     (522.57 )%
Loss from discontinued operations
  $
-
    $ (103 )   $
103
      100.00  %
Net income
  $
39,042
    $
3,767
    $
35,275
      936.42  %
 
42

CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 
 
Midstream’s net income applicable to member’s equity for the second quarter of 2007 increased $35.3 million, or 936.4%, compared to the second quarter of 2006.  Factors affecting Midstream during the second quarter of 2007 are described below.
 
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses increased $0.7 million, or 32.8%, in the second quarter of 2007 compared to the second quarter of 2006.  The increase largely was due to higher employee benefit costs and higher administrative expenses.
 
Equity Income from Investees
Equity income from investees increased $57.3 million, or 425.0%, in the second quarter of 2007 compared to the second quarter of 2006.  The increase was due to a $61.8 million increase in equity earnings at APH, partially offset by a $4.5 million decrease at Evangeline.  The increase in earnings at APH primarily was due to the settlement of Acadia’s pre-petition unsecured claims against CES and Calpine.  Partially offsetting this increase was the absence in the second quarter of 2007 of APH’s $12.2 million draw against the $15.0 million letter of credit issued by Calpine.  The decrease at Evangeline primarily was due to purchases of replacement power related to an outage at the facility, as well as higher interest charges and the write-off of obsolete equipment.  These decreases were partially offset by higher revenue from replacement energy.  As previously discussed, Midstream’s ownership interests in Perryville and Attala were transferred to Cleco Corporation effective February 1, 2007, and are no longer reported as equity income from investees on Midstream’s financial statements.  In accordance with SFAS No. 131, operating results for the second quarter of 2006 have been adjusted to reflect this new structure.  For additional information, see Item 1, “Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements — Note 3 — Disclosures about Segments.”
 
Interest Charges
Interest charges increased $0.9 million, or 18.9%, during the second quarter of 2007 compared to the same period of 2006 primarily due to a higher interest rate and a higher balance on affiliate debt relating to APH’s investment in Acadia.
 
Income Taxes
Income tax expense increased $21.0 million, or 522.6%, during the second quarter of 2007 compared to the same period of 2006 due to the $56.2 million increase in pre-tax income for the second quarter of 2007 compared to the same period of 2006.  Midstream’s effective income tax rate decreased from 50.9% to 39.1% during the second quarter of 2007 compared to the same period of 2006, mainly due to tax adjustments booked in 2006 and interest related to tax positions being accounted for as interest expense in 2007, compared to tax expense in 2006, as a result of the adoption of FIN 48. 
 
Comparison of the Six Months Ended June 30, 2007, and 2006
 
Cleco Consolidated            
         
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
 
               
FAVORABLE/(UNFAVORABLE)
 
(THOUSANDS)
 
2007
   
2006
   
VARIANCE
   
CHANGE
 
Operating revenue, net
  $
485,251
    $
474,370
    $
10,881
      2.29  %
Operating expenses
   
442,521
     
418,979
      (23,542 )     (5.62 )%
Operating income
  $
42,730
    $
55,391
    $ (12,661 )     (22.86 )%
Allowance for other funds used during construction
  $
12,163
    $
2,041
    $
10,122
      495.93  %
Equity income from investees 
  $
69,883
    $
15,606
    $
54,277
      347.80  %
Other expense
  $
1,882
    $
859
    $ (1,023 )     (119.09 )%
Interest charges
  $
23,975
    $
21,860
    $ (2,115 )     (9.68 )%
Federal and state income taxes
  $
33,111
    $
19,573
    $ (13,538 )     (69.17 )%
Net income applicable to common stock
  $
71,402
    $
34,478
    $
36,924
      107.09  %
 
Consolidated net income applicable to common stock increased $36.9 million, or 107.1%, in the first six months of 2007 compared to the first six months of 2006 primarily due to increased Midstream and corporate earnings.
Operating revenue, net increased $10.9 million, or 2.3%, in the first six months of 2007 compared to the same period of 2006 largely as a result of higher base and fuel cost recovery revenue at Cleco Power.
Operating expenses increased $23.5 million, or 5.6%, in the first six months of 2007 compared to the first six months of 2006 primarily due to increased depreciation expense and other operations and maintenance expenses at Cleco Power.
Allowance for other funds used during construction increased $10.1 million, or 495.9%, in the first six months of 2007 compared to the same period of 2006 primarily due to increased construction activity at Rodemacher Unit 3.
Equity income from investees increased $54.3 million, or 347.8%, in the first six months of 2007 compared to the same period of 2006.  The increase primarily was due to increased equity earnings at APH, resulting from the settlement of Acadia’s pre-petition unsecured claims against CES and Calpine.
Other expense increased $1.0 million, or 119.1%, in the first six months of 2007 compared to the same period of 2006 primarily due to penalties related to the FERC Staff investigation that were accrued during the first quarter of 2007 and subsequently paid in June 2007.
Interest charges increased $2.1 million, or 9.7%, in the first six months of 2007 compared to the same period of 2006 primarily due to the accrual of interest related to uncertain tax positions at Cleco Power, which was previously reported in tax expense.
Federal and state income taxes increased $13.5 million, or 69.2%, during the first six months of 2007 compared to the same period of 2006 primarily due to the $49.8 million increase in pre-tax income for 2007 compared to the same period of 2006.  The effective income tax rate decreased from 35.5% to 31.6% during the first six months of 2007 compared to the same period of 2006, mainly due to the flow-through of tax benefits associated with AFUDC equity recorded as a result of the construction of Rodemacher Unit 3.

43

CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 

Results of operations for Cleco Power and Midstream are fully described below.
 
Cleco Power            
         
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
 
               
FAVORABLE/(UNFAVORABLE)
 
(THOUSANDS)
 
2007
   
2006
   
VARIANCE
   
CHANGE
 
Operating revenue
                       
Base
  $
168,289
    $
158,575
    $
9,714
      6.13  %
Fuel cost recovery
   
296,640
     
293,700
     
2,940
      1.00  %
Electric customer credits
   
-
     
4,382
      (4,382 )     (100.00 )%
Other operations
   
17,182
     
14,432
     
2,750
      19.05  %
Affiliate revenue
   
25
     
24
     
1
      4.17  %
Intercompany revenue
   
1,003
     
1,000
     
3
      0.30  %
Operating revenue, net
   
483,139
     
472,113
     
11,026
      2.34  %
Operating expenses
                               
Fuel used for electric generation – recoverable
   
102,034
     
101,575
      (459 )     (0.45 )%
Power purchased for utility customers – recoverable
   
194,563
     
192,242
      (2,321 )     (1.21 )%
Non-recoverable fuel and power purchased
   
9,950
     
10,063
     
113
      1.12  %
Other operations
   
48,576
     
42,052
      (6,524 )     (15.51 )%
Maintenance
   
23,997
     
18,938
      (5,059 )     (26.71 )%
Depreciation
   
39,383
     
30,526
      (8,857 )     (29.01 )%
Taxes other than income taxes
   
18,487
     
18,768
     
281
      1.50  %
Total operating expenses
   
436,990
     
414,164
      (22,826 )     (5.51 )%
Operating income
  $
46,149
    $
57,949
    $ (11,800 )     (20.36 )%
Interest income
  $
2,466
    $
4,129
    $ (1,663 )     (40.28 )%
Allowance for other funds used during construction
  $
12,163
    $
2,041
    $
10,122
      495.93  %
Interest charges
  $
19,670
    $
17,904
    $ (1,766 )     (9.86 )%
Federal and state income taxes
  $
9,647
    $
14,859
    $
5,212
      35.08  %
Net income
  $
30,948
    $
30,921
    $
27
      0.09  %
 
Cleco Power’s net income applicable to member’s equity in the first six months of 2007 slightly increased compared to the first six months of 2006.  Contributing factors include:
 
§  
higher base revenue,
§  
higher other operations revenue,
§  
higher allowance for other funds used during construction, and
§  
lower effective income tax rate.

These were partially offset by:
 
§  
absence of favorable customer credit adjustments,
§  
higher other operations and maintenance expenses,
§  
higher depreciation expense,
§  
lower interest income, and
§  
higher interest charges.
 
       
   
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
 
(MILLION kWh)
 
2007
   
2006
   
FAVORABLE/
(UNFAVORABLE)
 
Electric sales
                 
Residential
   
1,619
     
1,570
      3.12  %
Commercial
   
1,137
     
878
      29.50  %
Industrial
   
1,468
     
1,417
      3.60  %
Other retail
   
67
     
279
      (75.99 )%
Total retail
   
4,291
     
4,144
      3.55  %
Sales for resale
   
219
     
232
      (5.60 )%
Unbilled
   
112
     
141
      (20.57 )%
Total retail and wholesale customer sales
   
4,622
     
4,517
      2.32  %

       
   
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
 
(THOUSANDS)
 
2007
   
2006
   
FAVORABLE/
(UNFAVORABLE)
 
Electric sales
                 
Residential
  $
69,377
    $
67,869
      2.22  %
Commercial
   
44,949
     
34,790
      29.20  %
Industrial
   
27,711
     
27,156
      2.04  %
Other retail
   
2,868
     
11,223
      (74.45 )%
Storm surcharge
   
11,651
     
3,926
      196.77  %
Total retail
   
156,556
     
144,964
      8.00  %
Sales for resale
   
7,931
     
8,522
      (6.93 )%
Unbilled
   
3,802
     
5,089
      (25.29 )%
Total retail and wholesale customer sales
  $
168,289
    $
158,575
      6.13  %
 
During the third quarter of 2006, a review of customer rate schedules was performed by Cleco Power and certain other retail customers were reclassified to the commercial class of customers.  As a result of this reclassification, commercial electric sales increased 29.2%, as reflected in the chart above.  This reclassification had no impact on base revenue during the first six months of 2007.
The following chart shows how cooling and heating degree-days varied from normal conditions and from the prior period. Cleco Power uses temperature data collected by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to determine degree-days.

                   
               
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
 
                     
2007 CHANGE
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
NORMAL
   
PRIOR YEAR
   
NORMAL
 
Heating degree-days
   
950
     
693
     
1,026
      37.09  %     (7.41 )%
Cooling degree-days
   
1,034
     
1,184
     
968
      (12.67 )%     6.82  %
 
Base
Base revenue during the first six months of 2007 increased $9.7 million, or 6.1%, compared to the same period in 2006. The increase primarily was due to the recovery of storm restoration costs through a monthly customer surcharge that began in May 2006.  These storm-related costs are being amortized to depreciation expense based on the amounts collected monthly from customers through this surcharge.  Also contributing to the increase in base revenue were higher retail and wholesale kWh sales, primarily from colder winter weather as compared to the same period in 2006.
For information on the anticipated effects of changes in revenue from industrial and wholesale customer, see “— Comparison of the Three Months Ended June 30, 2007, and 2006 — Cleco Power — Base.”  For additional information on Cleco’s energy commodity activities, see Item 3, “Quantitative
 
44

CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 
 
and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk — Risk Overview — Commodity Price Risks.”
For information on the effects of future energy sales on Cleco Power’s financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows, see “Risk Factors — Future Electricity Sales” in the Registrants’ Combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.
 
Fuel Cost Recovery
Fuel cost recovery revenue billed to customers during the first six months of 2007 compared to the same period in 2006 increased $2.9 million, or 1.0%, primarily due to increases in the per-unit cost of fuel used for electric generation.  For information on Cleco Power’s ability to recover fuel and purchase power costs, see “— Comparison of the Three Months Ended June 30, 2007, and 2006 — Cleco Power — Fuel Cost Recovery.”
 
Electric Customer Credits
The $4.4 million change in electric customer credits is the result of the absence in the first six months of 2007 of favorable adjustments made during the first six months of 2006 related to prior RSP filing periods.  The potential refunds associated with the RSP are based on results for each 12-month period ended September 30.  For additional information on the accrual of electric customer credits, see Item 1, “Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements — Note 7 — Electric Customer Credits.”
 
Other Operations
Other operations revenue increased $2.8 million, or 19.1%, in the first six months of 2007 compared to the first six months of 2006 primarily due to a $1.2 million mark-to-market gain in the first six months of 2007 as compared to a $2.4 million mark-to-market loss in the first six months of 2006 relating to economic hedge transactions associated with fixed-price power being provided to a wholesale customer.  These increases were partially offset by lower transmission services revenue. For information on Cleco’s energy commodity activities, see Item 3, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk — Risk Overview — Commodity Price Risks.”
 
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses increased $22.8 million, or 5.5%, in the first six months of 2007 compared to the same period of 2006. Fuel used for electric generation (recoverable) increased $0.5 million, or 0.5%, primarily due to higher per-unit costs of fuel used as compared to the same period of 2006.  Power purchased for utility customers (recoverable) increased $2.3 million, or 1.2%, largely due to higher volumes of purchased power, partially offset by lower per-unit costs of purchased power.  Fuel used for electric generation and power purchased for utility customers generally are influenced by natural gas prices.  However, other factors such as unscheduled outages, unusual maintenance or repairs, or other developments may affect fuel used for electric generation and power purchased for utility customers.  Other operations expense increased $6.5 million, or 15.5%, primarily due to the absence in 2007 of the $3.5 million recognition of previously recorded storm restoration expenses as a regulatory asset as a result of the LPSC's February 22, 2006, approval of Cleco Power's request to recover these storm restoration costs.  Also contributing to the increase were higher professional fees, higher employee benefit costs, and higher payroll and administrative expenses. Maintenance expenses during the first six months of 2007 increased $5.1 million, or 26.7%, compared to the same period of 2006 primarily due to the absence of the $3.0 million recognition of previously recorded storm restoration expenses as a regulatory asset as a result of the LPSC’s February 22, 2006 order.  Also contributing to the increase was more generating station maintenance work performed during the first six months of 2007.  Partially offsetting these increases was the reclassification of certain storm amortization costs to depreciation expense during the third quarter of 2006.  Depreciation expense increased $8.9 million, or 29.0%, primarily as a result of $8.1 million of storm amortization costs and $0.8 million of normal recurring additions to fixed assets.
 
Interest Income
Interest income decreased $1.7 million, or 40.3%, during the first six months of 2007 compared to the same period of 2006 primarily due to lower average investment balances.  Lower investment balances were the result of construction payments for Rodemacher Unit 3 being partially funded by these investments.
 
Allowance for Other Funds Used During Construction
Allowance for other funds used during construction increased $10.1 million, or 495.9%, during the first six months of 2007 compared to the same period of 2006 primarily due to increased construction activity at Rodemacher Unit 3.  Allowance for other funds used during construction equaled 39.3% of Cleco Power’s net income for the first six months of 2007, compared to 6.6% for the first six months of 2006.
 
Interest Charges
Interest charges increased $1.8 million, or 9.9%, during the first six months of 2007 compared to the same period of 2006 primarily due to the accrual of interest related to uncertain tax positions, which was previously reported in tax expense.  For additional information, see Item 1, “Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements — Note 12 — Income Taxes.”
 
Income Taxes
Income tax expense decreased $5.2 million, or 35.1%, during the first six months of 2007 compared to the same period of 2006, partially due to the $5.2 million decrease in pre-tax income for 2007 compared to the same period of 2006.  Cleco Power’s effective income tax rate decreased from 32.5% to 23.8% during the first six months of 2007 compared to the same period of 2006, mainly due to the flow-through of tax benefits associated with AFUDC equity recorded as a result of
 
45

CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 
 
the construction of Rodemacher Unit 3.  The tax rate is also affected by the relative size of this item to pre-tax income.
 
Midstream      
   
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
 
               
FAVORABLE/(UNFAVORABLE)
 
(THOUSANDS)
 
2007
   
2006
   
VARIANCE
   
CHANGE
 
Operating revenue
                       
Other operations
  $
11
    $
5
    $
6
      120.00  %
Affiliate revenue
   
2,146
     
2,188
      (42 )     (1.92 )%
Operating revenue
   
2,157
     
2,193
      (36 )     (1.64 )%
Operating expenses
                               
Other operations
   
3,206
     
2,523
      (683 )     (27.07 )%
Maintenance
   
1,061
     
1,040
      (21 )     (2.02 )%
Depreciation
   
154
     
156
     
2
      1.28  %
Taxes other than income taxes
   
132
     
122
      (10 )     (8.20 )%
Total operating expenses
   
4,553
     
3,841
      (712 )     (18.54 )%
Operating loss
  $ (2,396 )   $ (1,648 )   $ (748 )     (45.39 )%
Equity income from investees
  $
68,928
    $
13,448
    $
55,480
      412.55  %
Interest charges
  $
10,563
    $
8,876
    $ (1,687 )     (19.01 )%
Federal and state income tax expense
  $
22,062
    $
2,322
    $ (19,740 )     (850.13 )%
Loss from discontinued operations
  $
-
    $ (190 )   $
190
      100.00  %
Net income
  $
34,328
    $
409
    $
33,919
     
*
 
*Not meaningful
                               
 
Midstream’s net income applicable to member’s equity for the first six months of 2007 increased $33.9 million compared to the first six months of 2006.  Factors affecting Midstream during the first six months of 2007 are described below.
 
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses increased $0.7 million, or 18.5%, in the first six months of 2007 compared to the first six months of 2006.  The increase largely was due to higher employee benefit costs and higher administrative expenses.
 
Equity Income from Investees
Equity income from investees increased $55.5 million, or 412.6%, in the first six months of 2007 compared to the first six months of 2006.  The increase was due to a $59.5 million increase in equity earnings at APH, partially offset by a $4.0 million decrease at Evangeline.  The increase in earnings at APH primarily was due to the settlement of Acadia’s pre-petition unsecured claims against CES and Calpine.  Partially offsetting this increase was the absence in 2007 of APH's draw against the $15.0 million letter of credit issued by Calpine.  The decrease at Evangeline primarily was due to purchases of replacement power related to an outage at the facility, as well as higher interest charges and the write-off of obsolete equipment.  These decreases were partially offset by higher revenue from replacement energy.  As previously discussed, Midstream’s ownership interests in Perryville and Attala were transferred to Cleco Corporation effective February 1, 2007, and are no longer reported as equity income from investees on Midstream’s financial statements.  In accordance with SFAS No. 131, operating results for the first six months of 2006 have been adjusted to reflect this new structure.  For additional information, see Item 1, “Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements — Note 3 — Disclosures about Segments.”
 
Interest Charges
Interest charges increased $1.7 million, or 19.0%, during the first six months of 2007 compared to the same period of 2006 primarily due to a higher interest rate and a higher balance on affiliate debt relating to APH’s investment in Acadia.
 
Income Taxes
Income tax expense increased $19.7 million, or 850.1%, during the first six months of 2007 compared to the same period of 2006 due to a $53.5 million increase in pre-tax income for 2007 compared to the same period of 2006.  Midstream’s effective income tax rate decreased from 79.5% to 39.1% during the first six months of 2007 compared to the same period of 2006, mainly due to tax adjustments booked in 2006 and interest related to tax positions being accounted for as interest expense in 2007, compared to tax expense in 2006, as a result of the adoption of FIN 48.  
 
FINANCIAL CONDITION

Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
General Considerations and Credit-Related Risks
 
Credit Ratings and Counterparties
At June 30, 2007, Moody’s outlook for both Cleco Corporation and Cleco Power was stable.  Standard & Poor’s ratings outlook for both companies was negative due to continued uncertainties surrounding Cleco’s merchant energy activities and risks associated with the construction of Rodemacher Unit 3.  If Cleco Corporation or Cleco Power’s credit rating were to be downgraded by Moody’s or Standard & Poor’s, Cleco Corporation and/or Cleco Power would be required to pay additional fees and higher interest rates under their bank credit and other debt agreements.
On May 22, 2007, Moody’s placed Evangeline’s Senior Secured Debt Rating of Ba2 under review for possible upgrade.  The rating action reflects the announced sale of Williams’ power business segment, including its tolling agreement with Evangeline, to Bear Energy LP.  The sale, which is subject to regulatory and other approvals, is expected to close no later than the fourth quarter of 2007.  Management anticipates an improvement in the project’s credit rating due to the more favorable credit rating of Bear Stearns Companies, Inc.
In August 2005, Cleco Power entered into an EPC contract with Shaw to construct Rodemacher Unit 3.  Under the terms of the Amended EPC Contract, in the event Cleco Power does not maintain a senior unsecured credit rating of either: (i) Baa3 or better from Moody’s or (ii) BBB- or better from Standard  & Poor’s, Cleco Power will be required to provide a letter of credit to Shaw in the amount of $20.0 million.  In the event of further downgrade to both of its credit ratings to:  (i) Ba2 or below from Moody’s, and (ii) BB or below from Standard &
 
46

CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 
 
Poor’s, Cleco Power will be required to provide an additional $15.0 million letter of credit to Shaw.
With respect to any open power or gas positions that Cleco may initiate in the future, Cleco Corporation may be required to provide credit support (or pay liquidated damages).  The amount of credit support that Cleco may be required to provide at any point in the future is dependent on the amount of the initial transaction, changes in the market price of power and gas, the changes in open power and natural gas positions, and changes in the amount counterparties owe Cleco.  Changes in any of these factors could cause the amount of requested credit support to increase or decrease.  For additional information, as well as a discussion of other factors affecting Cleco’s financial condition relating to its credit ratings, the credit ratings of its counterparties, and other credit-related risks, please read “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Financial Condition — Liquidity and Capital Resources — General Considerations and Credit-Related Risks — Credit Ratings and Counterparties” in the Registrants’ Combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.
 
Debt
At June 30, 2007, Cleco Corporation and Cleco Power were in compliance with the covenants in their credit facilities.  If Cleco Corporation were to default under the covenants in its various credit facilities, it would be unable to borrow additional funds under the facilities.  Further, if Cleco Power were to default under its credit facility, Cleco Corporation would be considered in default under its credit facility. The bonds issued by Evangeline are non-recourse to Cleco Corporation, and a default on these bonds would not be considered a default under Cleco Corporation’s credit facility.  If Cleco Corporation’s credit rating were to be downgraded one level below investment grade, Cleco Corporation would be required to pay fees and interest at a rate of 0.45% higher than the current level for its $150.0 million credit facility.  A similar downgrade to the credit ratings of Cleco Power would require Cleco Power to pay fees and interest at a rate of 0.70% higher than the current level on its $275.0 million credit facility.
 
Cleco Consolidated
Cleco had no short-term debt outstanding at June 30, 2007, or December 31, 2006.  At June 30, 2007, Cleco’s long-term debt outstanding was $644.3 million compared to $619.3 million at December 31, 2006.  The $25.0 million increase was primarily due to $125.0 million in draws against Cleco Power’s credit facility, partially offset by the reclassification of $100.0 million of 7.00% Senior Notes at Cleco Corporation to long-term debt due within one year.  During the first six months of 2007, Cleco repaid $10.0 million of 6.53% medium-term notes and $15.0 million of 7.50% medium-term notes, both at maturity.  These issues were classified as long-term debt due within one year; therefore, these repayments did not affect the total amount of long-term debt recorded. For additional information, see “— Cleco Corporation (Holding Company Level)” and “— Cleco Power” below.
At June 30, 2007, and December 31, 2006, Cleco had a working capital surplus of $46.1 million and $152.6 million, respectively.  The $106.5 million decrease in working capital is primarily due to payment of dividends, increases in accruals for taxes and interest, additions to property, plant and equipment, including Rodemacher Unit 3, and the reclassification of long-term debt to long-term debt due within one year.  Partially offsetting the decrease was cash received from draws on Cleco Power’s credit facility, proceeds from the sale of the Calpine bankruptcy claims, and cash received from ongoing operations.
Cash and cash equivalents available at June 30, 2007, were $178.8 million combined with $277.8 million facility capacity ($127.8 million from Cleco Corporation and $150.0 million from Cleco Power) for total liquidity of $456.6 million.  Cash and cash equivalents decreased $13.7 million, when compared to December 31, 2006, largely due to repayment of debt, payment of dividends, an increase in customer accounts receivable, and additions to property, plant and equipment, including Rodemacher Unit 3.  This was partially offset by draws against Cleco Power’s credit facility, lower margin deposit requirements, and proceeds from the sale of the Calpine bankruptcy claims.
 
Cleco Corporation (Holding Company Level)
Cleco Corporation had no short-term debt outstanding at June 30, 2007, or December 31, 2006.  At June 30, 2007, Cleco Corporation had $100.0 million of long-term debt due within one year related to its 7.00% Senior Notes due May 1, 2008.
Cleco Corporation’s $150.0 million five-year credit facility matures on June 2, 2011.  This facility provides for working capital and other needs.  Cleco Corporation’s borrowing costs under the facility are equal to LIBOR plus 0.650%, including facility fees.
At June 30, 2007, off-balance sheet commitments reduced available borrowings by an additional $22.2 million, leaving available capacity of $127.8 million.  For more information about these commitments, see Item 1, “Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements — Note 8 — Litigation and Other Commitments and Contingencies — Off-Balance Sheet Commitments.” An uncommitted line of credit with a bank in an amount up to $10.0 million also is available to support Cleco’s working capital needs.  This line of credit is available to either Cleco Corporation or Cleco Power.
Cash and cash equivalents available at June 30, 2007, were $92.5 million, combined with $127.8 million facility capacity, for total liquidity of $220.3 million. Cash and cash equivalents increased $2.0 million, when compared to December 31, 2006, largely due to the settlement of affiliate payables and receivables.  This was partially offset by the payment of dividends.
 
Cleco Power
Cleco Power had no short-term debt outstanding at June 30, 2007, or December 31, 2006.  At June 30, 2007, Cleco Power’s long-term debt outstanding was $644.3 million compared to $519.3 million at December 31, 2006.  The $125.0
 
47

CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 
 
million increase was due to $125.0 million in draws against Cleco Power’s credit facility during the second quarter of 2007.  During the first six months of 2007, Cleco Power repaid $10.0 million of 6.53% medium-term notes and $15.0 million of 7.50% medium-term notes, both at maturity.  These issues were classified as long-term debt due within one year; therefore, these repayments did not affect the total amount of long-term debt recorded.
Cleco Power’s $275.0 million five-year credit facility matures on June 2, 2011.  This facility provides for working capital and other needs.  Cleco Power’s borrowing costs under the facility are equal to LIBOR plus 0.400%, including facility fees.
At June 30, 2007, $125.0 million was outstanding under Cleco Power’s $275.0 million, five-year facility with a weighted average interest rate of 5.64%.  An uncommitted line of credit with a bank in an amount up to $10.0 million also is available to support Cleco Power’s working capital needs.  This line of credit is available to either Cleco Power or Cleco Corporation.
Cash and cash equivalents available at June 30, 2007, were $12.7 million, combined with $150.0 million facility capacity for total liquidity of $162.7 million. Cash and cash equivalents decreased $89.2 million, when compared to December 31, 2006 primarily due to repayment of debt, an increase in customer accounts receivable, and additions to property, plant and equipment, including Rodemacher Unit 3.  This was partially offset by draws against Cleco Power’s credit facility and lower margin deposit requirements.
Storm restoration costs from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita are currently estimated to total $157.0 million.  During 2006, the LPSC agreed to an interim increase in rates of $23.4 million annually over a ten-year period to recover approximately $161.8 million of estimated storm restoration costs, until a review of the costs by the LPSC was completed.  In March 2007, after completing this review, Cleco Power and the LPSC Staff filed a settlement agreement with the LPSC allowing the recovery of essentially all of Cleco Power’s Hurricanes Katrina and Rita storm costs.  The agreement also allows Cleco Power to securitize the storm costs and to recover debt service costs through a customer billing surcharge.  Management expects the securitization financing order to be approved by the LPSC in the third quarter of 2007.  
Cleco Power is exploring the potential reimbursement of storm restoration costs from the U.S. Government to reduce the amount to be recovered from customers.  Cleco Power cannot predict with certainty that any reimbursement from the U.S. Government or securitization of costs will be approved or that any such financing can be consummated.  Previously, Cleco Power was exploring the possibility of financing the storm restoration costs with tax-exempt bonds through the GO Zone Act.  The Louisiana State Bond Commission granted preliminary approval to Cleco Power for the issuance of up to $160.0 million of tax-exempt bonds under the GO Zone Act.  Currently, Cleco Power has identified certain projects in the Gulf Opportunities Zone areas to be completed by 2010 and has filed a supplemental application with the Louisiana Public Finance Authority to reduce the amount of bonds requested to $100.0 million, which would provide proceeds to fund capital expenditures in those identified areas.  It is not certain that final approval will be granted by the Louisiana State Bond Commission as a result of the limited supply of available GO Zone Act financing capacity.
On February 22, 2006, the LPSC approved Cleco Power’s plans to build Rodemacher Unit 3.  Terms of the approval included acceptance of an LPSC Staff recommendation that Cleco Power collect from customers an amount equal to 75% of the carrying costs of capital during the construction phase of the unit.  In addition to this recovery, Cleco Power plans to fund the construction costs related to Rodemacher Unit 3 by utilizing cash on hand, available funds from its credit facility, the issuance of long-term debt and equity contributions from Cleco Corporation.
The Louisiana State Bond Commission has approved the issuance of up to $200.0 million of tax-exempt bonds to finance the qualifying costs of the solid waste disposal facilities at Rodemacher Unit 3.  Thus far, a total of $152.9 million of qualifying costs at Rodemacher Unit 3 has been identified. A total of $60.0 million was allocated by the Governor’s office for issuance in 2006.  Cleco Power has applied to the Governor’s office for allocation in 2007 and can apply again in 2008, if necessary, up to the total amount of qualifying costs identified.  The $60.0 million of bonds allocated for 2006 were issued on November 21, 2006, by the Rapides Finance Authority, and Cleco Power agreed to pay the debt service on the bonds.  The fixed interest rate on the bonds is 4.70%, and the maturity date is November 1, 2036.  The bonds may be called at the option of the issuer at the direction of Cleco Power after November 1, 2016.
 
Midstream
Midstream had no short-term or long-term debt outstanding at June 30, 2007, or December 31, 2006.
APH had cash and cash equivalents of $73.6 million at June 30, 2007, compared to none at December 31, 2006.  The $73.6 million increase is due to the $78.2 million settlement of APH’s pre-petition unsecured claims against CES and Calpine that were subsequently sold, partially offset by payments made by APH relating to the settlement of such claims.
Evangeline, deconsolidated and no longer reported in Cleco Corporation’s consolidated results, had no short-term debt outstanding at June 30, 2007.  Evangeline did have $173.0 million and $177.1 million of long-term debt outstanding at June 30, 2007, and December 31, 2006, respectively, in the form of 8.82% Senior Secured Bonds due 2019.  In addition, Evangeline had $7.9 million and $7.6 million of long-term debt due within one year at June 30, 2007, and December 31, 2006, respectively, relating to these bonds.  The bonds issued by Evangeline are non-recourse to Cleco Corporation.
 
Restricted Cash
Various agreements to which Cleco is subject contain covenants that restrict its use of cash.  As certain provisions under these agreements are met, cash is transferred out of related
escrow accounts and becomes available for general
 
48

CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 
 
corporate purposes.  At June 30, 2007, and December 31, 2006, $31.9 million and $59.0 million of cash, respectively, was restricted.  At June 30, 2007, the $31.9 million of restricted cash consisted of $0.1 million under the Diversified Lands mitigation escrow agreement, $31.8 million under the Evangeline senior secured bond indenture, and less than $0.1 million under the Cleco Power solid waste disposal bonds indenture.  Restricted cash at Cleco Power decreased $24.3 million compared to December 31, 2006, due to the release of funds for construction of the solid waste disposal facility at Rodemacher Unit 3.  Restricted cash at Evangeline decreased $2.7 million, however, the restricted cash at Evangeline is not included in Cleco Corporation’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2007, due to the deconsolidation of Evangeline.
 
Contractual Obligations and Other Commitments
Cleco, in the normal course of business activities, enters into a variety of contractual obligations.  Some of these result in direct obligations that are reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets while other commitments, some firm and some based on uncertainties, are not reflected in the consolidated financial statements.  The obligations listed in the following table do not include amounts for ongoing needs for which no contractual obligation existed as of June 30, 2007, and represent only the projected future payments that Cleco was obligated to make relative to uncertain tax positions as of June 30, 2007.  For more information on Cleco’s uncertain tax positions, see Item 1, “Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements – Note 12 — Income Taxes.”  For additional information regarding Cleco’s Contractual Obligations and Other Commitments, please read “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Financial Condition — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Cash Generation and Cash Requirements — Contractual Obligations and Other Commitments” in the Registrants’ Combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.
       
   
AT JUNE 30,
 
UNCERTAIN TAX POSITIONS (THOUSANDS)
 
2007
 
Tax liability
  $
92,039
 
Interest
   
23,443
 
Total*
  $
115,482
 
         
Cleco Corporation (1)
  $
3,000
 
Cleco Power (2)
   
79,484
 
Midstream (3)
   
32,998
 
Total
  $
115,482
 
*Uncertain federal and state tax positions as of June 30, 2007, that will be settled at some future date with the IRS and Louisiana Department of Revenue.
(1)Includes interest of $3,000
(2)Includes interest of $13,848
(3)Includes interest of $6,596
 
 
Off-Balance Sheet Commitments
Cleco Corporation and Cleco Power have entered into various off-balance sheet commitments, in the form of guarantees and standby letters of credit, in order to facilitate their activities and the activities of Cleco Corporation’s subsidiaries and equity investees (affiliates). Cleco Corporation entered into these off-balance sheet commitments in order to entice desired counterparties to contract with its affiliates by providing some measure of credit assurance to the counterparty in the event Cleco’s affiliates do not fulfill certain contractual obligations. If Cleco Corporation had not provided the off-balance sheet commitments, the desired counterparties may not have contracted with Cleco’s affiliates, or may have contracted with them at terms less favorable to its affiliates.
The off-balance sheet commitments are not recognized on Cleco’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, because it has been determined that Cleco’s affiliates are able to perform these obligations under their contracts and that it is not probable that payments by Cleco will be required. Some of these commitments reduce borrowings available to Cleco Corporation under its credit facility pursuant to the terms of the credit facility.  Cleco’s off-balance sheet commitments as of June 30, 2007, are summarized in the following table, and a discussion of the off-balance sheet commitments follows the table. The discussion should be read in conjunction with the table to understand the impact of the off-balance sheet commitments on Cleco’s financial condition.
                         
                     
AT JUNE 30, 2007
 
                     
REDUCTIONS TO THE
 
                     
AMOUNT AVAILABLE
 
                     
TO BE DRAWN ON
 
   
FACE
   
 
   
NET
   
CLECO CORPORATION’S
 
(THOUSANDS)
 
AMOUNT
   
REDUCTIONS
   
AMOUNT
   
CREDIT FACILITY
 
Cleco Corporation
                       
Guarantee issued to Entergy companies for performance obligations of Perryville
  $
277,400
    $
135,000
    $
142,400
    $
328
 
Guarantees issued to purchasers of the assets of Cleco Energy
   
1,400
     
-
     
1,400
     
1,400
 
Obligations under standby letter of credit issued to the Evangeline Tolling Agreement counterparty
   
15,000
     
-
     
15,000
     
15,000
 
Guarantee issued to Entergy Mississippi on behalf of Attala
   
500
     
-
     
500
     
500
 
Guarantee issued to Tenaska on behalf of Cleco Evangeline
   
5,000
     
-
     
5,000
     
5,000
 
Cleco Power
                               
Obligations under standby letter of credit issued to the Louisiana Department of Labor
   
525
     
-
     
525
     
-
 
Obligations under the Lignite Mining Agreement
   
17,215
     
-
     
17,215
     
-
 
Total
  $
317,040
    $
135,000
    $
182,040
    $
22,228
 

49

CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 

Cleco Corporation provided a limited guarantee to Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Gulf States for Perryville’s performance, indemnity, representation, and warranty obligations under the Sale Agreement, the Power Purchase Agreement, and other ancillary agreements related to the sale of the Perryville facility.  As of June 30, 2007, the aggregate guarantee of $277.4 million is limited to $142.4 million (other than with respect to the indemnification of environmental matters, to which there is no limit) due to the performance of some of the underlying obligations that were guaranteed.  The discounted probability-weighted liability under the guarantees and indemnifications as of June 30, 2007, was $0.3 million, resulting in a corresponding reduction in the available credit under Cleco’s credit facility, which was determined in accordance with the facility’s definition of a contingent obligation.  The contingent obligation reduces the amount available under the credit agreements by an amount equal to the reasonably anticipated liability in respect of the contingent obligation as determined in good faith.  For additional information on this guarantee, see Item 1, “Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements — Note 9 — Disclosures about Guarantees.”
In November 2004, Cleco completed the sale of substantially all of the assets of Cleco Energy.  Cleco Corporation provided guarantees to the buyers of Cleco Energy’s assets for the payment and performance of the indemnity obligations of Cleco Energy.  The aggregate amount of the guarantees is $1.4 million, and the guarantees expire in 2009.
If Evangeline fails to perform certain obligations under its tolling agreement, Cleco Corporation will be required to make payments to the Evangeline Tolling Agreement counterparty. Cleco Corporation’s obligation under the Evangeline commitment is in the form of a standby letter of credit from investment grade banks and is limited to $15.0 million. Ratings triggers do not exist in the Evangeline Tolling Agreement. Cleco expects Evangeline to be able to meet its obligations under the tolling agreement and does not expect Cleco Corporation to be required to make payments to the counterparty. However, under the covenants associated with Cleco Corporation’s credit facility, the entire net amount of the Evangeline commitment reduces the amount that can be borrowed under the credit facility. The letter of credit for Evangeline is expected to be renewed annually until 2020.
In January 2006, Cleco Corporation provided a $0.5 million guarantee to Entergy Mississippi for Attala’s obligations under the Interconnection Agreement.  This guarantee will be effective through the life of the agreement.
On June 13, 2007, Cleco Corporation issued a guarantee to Tenaska pursuant to a power replacement agreement between Evangeline and Tenaska.  The amount of the guarantee is $5.0 million, and the guarantee expires on December 31, 2007.
The State of Louisiana allows employers of certain financial net worth to self-insure their workers’ compensation benefits.  Cleco Power has a certificate of self-insurance from the Louisiana Office of Workers’ Compensation and is required to post a $0.5 million letter of credit, an amount equal to 110% of the average losses over the previous three years, as surety.
As part of the Lignite Mining Agreement entered into in 2001, Cleco Power and SWEPCO, joint owners of Dolet Hills, have agreed to pay the lignite miner’s loan and lease principal obligations when due, if the lignite miner does not have sufficient funds or credit to pay. Any amounts paid on behalf of the miner would be credited by the lignite miner against the next invoice for lignite delivered. At June 30, 2007, Cleco Power’s 50% exposure for this obligation was approximately $17.2 million. The lignite mining contract is in place until 2011 and does not affect the amount Cleco Corporation can borrow under its credit facility.
The following table summarizes the expected termination date of the guarantees and standby letters of credit discussed above:
             
         
AT JUNE 30, 2007
 
         
AMOUNT OF COMMITMENT EXPIRATION PER PERIOD
 
   
NET
 
   
 
             
MORE
 
   
AMOUNT
   
LESS THAN
               
THAN
 
(THOUSANDS)
 
COMMITTED
   
ONE YEAR
   
1-3 YEARS
   
3-5 YEARS
   
5 YEARS
 
Guarantees
  $
166,515
    $
5,000
    $
1,400
    $
117,215
    $
42,900
 
Standby letters of credit
   
15,525
     
525
     
-
     
-
     
15,000
 
Total commercial commitments
  $
182,040
    $
5,525
    $
1,400
    $
117,215
    $
57,900
 

Regulatory Matters
 
Wholesale Rates of Cleco
On February 16, 2007, the FERC issued Order No. 890 amending its regulations and the pro forma tariff (a FERC-approved document outlining rates, charges, rules and conditions under which a utility provides wholesale electric service) adopted in FERC Order Nos. 888 and 889 to address apparent deficiencies in the pro forma tariff and to standardize several industry practices relating to the provision of wholesale electric service.  The order became effective on March 14, 2007, and contained various implementation deadlines ranging from 30 days to one year.  Cleco Power is in the process of incorporating these new requirements and business practices into its operations.
In May 2006, the FERC issued a NOPR (Docket No. RM04-7-000) pursuant to Sections 205 and 206 of the Federal Power Act proposing to amend its regulations governing market-based rate authorizations for wholesale sales of electric energy, capacity and ancillary services by public utilities. In June 2007, the FERC issued Order No. 697 revising and redefining the agency’s current market power test, codifying restrictions on affiliate abuse and setting details on how it will handle mitigation where sellers cannot show a lack of market power.  The amended regulations had no impact on Cleco’s operations or financial condition.
 
50

CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 
 
For additional information on the wholesale rates of Cleco, please read “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Financial Condition — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Regulatory Matters — Wholesale Rates of Cleco” in the Registrants’ Combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.
 
Retail Rates of Cleco Power
In March 2007, as a result of Phase II of the LPSC Staff’s review of storm restoration costs, Cleco Power and the LPSC Staff filed a settlement agreement allowing the recovery of essentially all Cleco Power’s Hurricanes Katrina and Rita storm costs, currently estimated to total $157.0 million.  Cleco Power is currently recovering these storm costs under an interim rate increase approved by the LPSC.  The settlement agreement also allows Cleco Power to securitize the amount of the storm costs and to fund and securitize a $50.0 million reserve for future, extraordinary storm damage costs.  Management expects the settlement agreement to be approved by the LPSC in the third quarter of 2007.
In April 2006, the LPSC approved a recommendation of the LPSC Staff requiring Cleco Power to refund $1.3 million to customers relating to Cleco Power’s RSP filings for the 12-month periods ended September 30, 2002, 2003, and 2004.  Cleco Power refunded the amount as credits on customers’ September 2006 utility bills.  However, the LPSC also reserved the right to further review Cleco Power’s calculation of working capital included in the filings for the 12-month periods ended September 30, 2002, 2003, and 2004.  Cleco Power reached an agreement of the working capital issue with the LPSC in March 2007 and refunded to customers an additional $3.2 million of previously accrued customer credits in the same month.
In March 2007, the LPSC consultants completed the review of Cleco Power’s RSP monitoring report for the 12-month period ended September 30, 2005.  Cleco Power received the LPSC Staff’s report in April 2007 indicating that no refund is due based on the 2005 RSP filing.
Cleco Power filed its RSP monitoring report with the LPSC for the 12-month period ended September 30, 2006, on March 30, 2007.  The LPSC consultants have begun their review of the 2006 filing.  Cleco Power anticipates the review will be completed by the end of 2007 and expects no refunds to customers.
For additional information on other regulatory aspects of retail rates concerning Cleco Power, please read “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Financial Condition — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Regulatory Matters — Retail Rates of Cleco Power” in the Registrants’ Combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.
 
Wholesale Electric Markets
On March 16, 2007, to implement the new directives added by Section 215 of the Federal Power Act regarding establishment of reliability standards for all public utilities subject to the FERC’s authority, the FERC issued Order No. 693 approving 83 standards currently filed by the North American Electric Reliability Council in its capacity as the authorized ERO. The rules essentially deal with documentation and the standardization of practices across the industry. The FERC began enforcement of these standards on June 18, 2007.  Cleco Power has incorporated these new reliability standards into its operations.
For additional information on regulatory aspects of wholesale electric markets affecting Cleco, please read “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Financial Condition — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Regulatory Matters — Market Restructuring — Wholesale Electric Markets” in the Registrants’ Combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.
 
Retail Electric Markets
For a discussion of the regulatory aspects of retail electric markets affecting Cleco Power, please read “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Financial Condition — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Regulatory Matters — Retail Electric Markets” in the Registrants’ Combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.
 
Generation RFP
 
2007 Short-Term RFP for 2008 Resources
On January 29, 2007, Cleco Power issued a RFP for a minimum of 50 MW up to 350 MW to meet its 2008 capacity and energy requirements.  Proposals were received on February 19, 2007.  Cleco Power has selected the winning bids and has signed contracts with the selected bidders.  Cleco Power will file for certification with the LPSC for these resources to begin in 2008.
 
2007 Long-Term RFP
On June 27, 2007, Cleco Power filed draft documents with the LPSC for up to approximately 600 MW of intermediate and/or peaking resources to meet its long-term capacity and energy requirements.  Cleco Power has listed four potential self-build projects in the informational filing that will be tested against the market.  The final version of the RFP is scheduled for October 2007 with bids due in December 2007.
For additional information on Cleco Power’s generation RFPs, please read “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Financial Condition — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Regulatory Matters — Generation RFP” in the Registrants’ Combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.
 
Rodemacher Unit 3
In May 2006, Cleco Power began construction of Rodemacher Unit 3 which will provide a portion of the utility’s future power supply needs. Rodemacher Unit 3 will be capable of burning various solid fuels, but primarily is expected to burn petroleum
 
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CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 
 
coke produced by several refineries throughout the Gulf Coast region.  All environmental permits for the unit have been received.  The total capital cost of the project, including AFUDC, Amended EPC Contract costs, and other development expenses, is estimated at $1.0 billion.
In May 2006, Cleco Power and Shaw entered into the Amended EPC Contract, which provides for substantial completion of construction by the fourth quarter of 2009.  The Amended EPC Contract allows for termination at Cleco Power’s sole discretion, which would require payment of increasing termination fees, or if certain milestones, approvals, or other typical commercial terms and conditions are not met.  At June 30, 2007, the maximum termination fee would have been $436.7 million.  The project construction remains on schedule for commercial operation by the fourth quarter of 2009.
At June 30, 2007, Cleco Power had incurred approximately $405.1 million in project costs.
For additional information on the CCN and construction of Rodemacher Unit 3, please read “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Financial Condition — Liquidity and Capital Resources —Regulatory Matters — Rodemacher Unit 3” in the Registrants’ Combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.  For a discussion of risks associated with the Rodemacher Unit 3 project, see “Risk Factors — Rodemacher Unit 3 Construction Costs,” — “Rodemacher Unit 3 Technical Specifications,” and — “Termination of the Rodemacher Unit 3 Project or the Amended EPC Contract” in the Registrants’ Combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.
 
Lignite Deferral
For information on Cleco Power’s deferred lignite mining expenditures, please read “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Financial Condition — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Regulatory Matters — Other Matters — Lignite Deferral” in the Registrants’ Combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.
In November 2006, Cleco Power and SWEPCO submitted a joint application to the LPSC requesting that Cleco Power recover its existing deferral balance and eliminate any future benchmarking of lignite mining costs.  The application was docketed by the LPSC, and Cleco Power and SWEPCO filed testimony in support of the application on January 29, 2007.  As a result of recommendations provided by the LPSC Staff, Cleco Power and SWEPCO proposed a revised benchmark as opposed to the elimination of benchmarking, as originally requested in the joint application.  Cleco Power expects a favorable response to its request, and current and future deferrals are expected to be collected.  It is anticipated the LPSC Staff will finalize its review of this information and issue a recommendation during the fourth quarter of 2007.
If this request is not granted, Cleco Power may be required to expense a portion of the current deferred balance as well as expense future amounts instead of deferring them.
At June 30, 2007, and December 31, 2006, Cleco Power had $22.0 million and $20.1 million, respectively, in deferred costs remaining.  Included in the deferred cost balance is interest totaling $3.8 million and $3.0 million as of June 30, 2007, and December 31, 2006, respectively.
For a discussion of risks associated with Cleco Power’s application to recover deferred lignite mining costs, see “Risk Factors — Deferred Lignite Mining Costs” in the Registrants’ Combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.
 
Franchises
In May 2007, Cleco Power renewed franchise agreements in Louisiana with the cities of Mamou, Ville Platte and DeQuincy ahead of their respective expiration dates.  The term of the renewed agreements is 30 years beginning in May 2007.  Currently, Cleco Power serves approximately 7,600 customers in these cities.
In June 2007, South Louisiana Electric Membership Cooperative (SLEMCO) entered into a limited franchise agreement with the city of Crowley, Louisiana.  Cleco Power also provides electric service to Crowley under an existing franchise agreement.  The new agreement allows SLEMCO to compete for new customers in areas of the city that have been annexed by Crowley since 2003.  This decision does not have a material impact on Cleco Power's results of operations or financial condition, but could reduce future customer and load growth as both utilities compete for new customers.
Historically, Cleco Power has been allowed to recover municipal franchise fees as part of base rates it charges retail customers.  Consequently, franchise fees are recovered from customers both inside and outside a franchised area.  In May 2007, the LPSC approved the practice of billing franchise fees as a separate line item on customer bills.  The decision provided that 50% of the franchise fee would continue to be included in base rates charged to all customers and 50% of the franchise fee would be included on customer bills as a separate line item, billed only to customers within the franchised area.  An order from the LPSC is still pending and has been delayed to address additional concerns raised by several affected parties.  Cleco Power anticipates no material impact to its results of operations or financial condition if the order is approved.
For additional information on Cleco Power’s electric service franchises, please read “Business — Regulatory Matters, Industry Developments, and Franchises — Franchises” in the Registrants’ Combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.
 
Environmental Matters
Cleco is subject to extensive environmental regulation by federal, state and local authorities and is required to comply with numerous environmental laws and regulations, and to obtain and to comply with numerous governmental permits, in operating its facilities.  In addition, existing environmental laws, regulations and permits could be revised or reinterpreted; new laws and regulations could be adopted or become applicable
 
52

CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 
 
to Cleco or its facilities; and future changes in environmental laws and regulations could occur, including potential regulatory and enforcement developments related to air emissions.  Cleco may incur significant additional costs to comply with these revisions, reinterpretations and requirements.  If Cleco fails to comply with these revisions, reinterpretations and requirements, it could be subject to civil or criminal liabilities and fines. 
The regulatory program, Section 316(b) of the Clean Water Act, intends to minimize adverse environmental impacts to all aquatic species due to water intake structures.  These regulations establish requirements applicable to the location, design, construction, and capacity of cooling water intake structures.  These rules are applicable to only two Cleco facilities, Teche Power Station and Evangeline Power Station.  On July 2, 2007, the EPA officially suspended the Phase II, 316(b) rule.  As such, mandatory compliance dates for the completion of studies and assessments will likely be delayed for some time.  Until then, the EPA will likely use 316(b) Phase II rules as guidance for future permit renewals until a new 316(b) rule is promulgated by the EPA.  Although it is uncertain when the EPA will promulgate these new rules, Cleco anticipates that any new requirements for its affected facilities will be established as the facilities go through the water discharge permit renewal process.
On June 20, 2007, the EPA proposed to strengthen the national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) for ground-level ozone, the primary component of smog.  The Agency also requested comments on alternative levels of the primary ozone standard.  Depending on the final level the EPA chooses, a significant number of additional parishes of Louisiana could be designated as “non-attainment,” meaning they do not meet the national ambient air quality standards for that area.  Since NOx emissions are a precursor to ozone formation, existing fossil fuel fired units located in or near these ozone non-attainment areas that do not currently utilize best available control technology could be targeted for installation of additional NOx emission controls.  While it is unknown at this time what the final rule will entail, any capital and operating costs of additional pollution control equipment could have a material adverse effect on the Registrants’ results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows.
For a discussion of other Cleco environmental matters, please read “Business — Environmental Matters” in the Registrants’ Combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.
 
Recent Accounting Standards
For a discussion of recent accounting standards, see Item 1, “Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements — Note 5 — Recent Accounting Standards” of this form 10-Q, which discussion is incorporated herein by reference.
 
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Cleco’s critical accounting policies include those accounting policies that are both important to Cleco’s financial condition and results of operations and those that require management to make difficult, subjective, or complex judgments about future events, which could result in a material impact to the financial statements of Cleco Corporation’s segments or to Cleco as a consolidated entity.  The financial statements contained in this report are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which require Cleco to make estimates and assumptions.  Estimates and assumptions about future events and their effects cannot be made with certainty.  Management bases its current estimates and assumptions on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.  On an ongoing basis, these estimates and assumptions are evaluated and, if necessary, adjustments are made when warranted by new or updated information or by a change in circumstances or environment.  Actual results may differ significantly from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.  For a discussion of Cleco’s critical accounting policies, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Critical Accounting Policies” in the Registrant’s Combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.
 
CLECO POWER — NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Set forth below is information concerning the results of operations of Cleco Power for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, and June 30, 2006. The following narrative analysis should be read in combination with Cleco Power’s Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements and the Notes contained in this Form 10-Q.
Cleco Power meets the conditions specified in General Instructions H(1)(a) and (b) to Form 10-Q and is therefore permitted to use the reduced disclosure format for wholly owned subsidiaries of reporting companies. Accordingly, Cleco Power has omitted from this report the information called for by Item 2 (Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations) and Item 3 (Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk) of Part I of Form 10-Q and the following Part II items of Form 10-Q: Item 2 (Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds), Item 3 (Defaults Upon Senior Securities), and Item 4 (Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders).  Pursuant to the General Instructions, Cleco Power has included an explanation of the reasons for material changes in the amount of revenue and expense items of Cleco Power between the first six months of 2007 and the first six months of 2006.  Reference is made to Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Item 7 of the Registrants’ Combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.
For an explanation of material changes in the amount of revenue and expense items of Cleco Power between the
 
53

CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 
 
second quarter of 2007 and the second quarter of 2006, see “— Results of Operations — Comparison of the Three Months Ended June 30, 2007, and 2006 — Cleco Power” of this Form 10-Q, which discussion is incorporated herein by reference.
For an explanation of material changes in the amount of revenue and expense items of Cleco Power between the first six months of 2007 and the first six months of 2006, see “— Results of Operations — Comparison of the Six Months Ended June 30, 2007, and 2006 — Cleco Power” of this Form 10-Q, which discussion is incorporated herein by reference.

 
ITEM 3.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK


Risk Overview

Market risk inherent in Cleco’s market risk-sensitive instruments and positions includes potential changes arising from changes in interest rates and the commodity market prices of power and natural gas in the industry on different energy exchanges.  Cleco is subject to market risk associated with economic hedges relating to open natural gas contracts.  Cleco also is subject to market risk associated with its remaining tolling agreement counterparty.  For additional information concerning Cleco’s market risk associated with its remaining counterparty, see Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Financial Condition — Liquidity and Capital Resources — General Considerations and Credit-Related Risks.”
Cleco uses SFAS No. 133 to determine whether the market risk-sensitive instruments and positions are required to be marked-to-market.  Generally, Cleco Power’s market risk-sensitive instruments and positions qualify for the normal-purchase, normal-sale exception to mark-to-market accounting of SFAS No. 133, as modified by SFAS No. 149, since Cleco Power generally takes physical delivery and the instruments and positions are used to satisfy customer requirements.
Cleco’s exposure to market risk, as discussed below, represents an estimate of possible changes in the fair value or future earnings that would occur, assuming possible future movements in the interest rates and commodity prices of power and natural gas.  Management’s views on market risk are not necessarily indicative of actual results, nor do they represent the maximum possible gains or losses.  The views do represent, within the parameters disclosed, what management estimates may happen.
Cleco monitors credit risk exposure through reviews of counterparty credit quality, corporate-wide aggregate counterparty credit exposure and corporate-wide aggregate counterparty concentration levels.  Cleco actively manages these risks by establishing appropriate credit and concentration limits on transactions with counterparties and requiring contractual guarantees, cash deposits or letters of credit from counterparties or their affiliates, as deemed necessary.  Cleco Power has agreements in place with various counterparties that authorize the netting of financial transactions and contract payments to mitigate credit risk for transactions entered into for risk management purposes.

Interest Rate Risks
Cleco monitors its mix of fixed- and variable-rate debt obligations in light of changing market conditions and from time to time may alter that mix, for example, refinancing balances outstanding under its variable-rate credit facility with fixed-rate debt.  Calculations of the changes in fair market value and interest expense of the debt securities are made over a one-year period.
Sensitivity to changes in interest rates for fixed-rate obligations is computed by calculating the current fair market value using a net present value model based upon a 1% change in the average interest rate applicable to such debt.  Sensitivity to changes in interest rates for variable-rate obligations is computed by assuming a 1% change in the current interest rate applicable to such debt.
As of June 30, 2007, Cleco had no long-term or short-term variable-rate debt.  However, at June 30, 2007, Cleco Power had borrowings of $125.0 million outstanding under its $275.0 million five-year credit facility at a weighted average cost of 5.64%.  The borrowing costs under the facility are equal to LIBOR plus 0.400%, including facility fees.  The existing borrowings have 30-day terms and various maturity dates.  If the amounts of the individual borrowings are renewed at maturity, rather than repaid, each 1.0% change in the average interest rates applicable to such debt would result in a change of approximately $1.3 million in Cleco’s annual pre-tax earnings.
 
Commodity Price Risks
Management believes Cleco has controls in place to minimize the risks involved in its financial and energy commodity activities.  Independent controls over energy commodity functions consist of a middle office (risk management), a back office (accounting), regulatory compliance staff, as well as oversight by a risk management committee comprised of officers and the General Manager – Internal Audit, who are appointed by Cleco Corporation’s Board of Directors.  VaR limits are established by the Risk Management Committee and monitored through a daily risk report that identifies the current VaR and market conditions. 
During 2005, Cleco Power entered into certain financial hedge transactions it considers economic hedges to mitigate the risk associated with fixed-price power to be provided to a wholesale customer through December 2010.  These transactions are derivatives as defined by SFAS No. 133 but do not meet the accounting criteria to be considered hedges.  These transactions are marked-to-market with the resulting gain or loss recorded on the income statement as a component of operating revenue, net.  At June 30, 2007, the positions had a
 
54

CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 
 
mark-to-market value of $2.1 million, which is an increase of $1.2 million from the mark-to-market value of $0.9 million at December 31, 2006.  In addition, these positions resulted in a realized gain of $1.2 million for the six-month period ended June 30, 2007.  In light of these economic hedge transactions, volatility in natural gas prices will likely cause fluctuations in the market value of open natural gas positions and ultimately in Cleco Power’s future earnings.
Cleco Power provides fuel for generation and purchases power to meet the power demands of customers. Cleco Power has entered into positions to mitigate the volatility in fuel costs passed on to customers as encouraged by an LPSC order.  In December 2004, Cleco Power implemented a fuel stabilization policy (which was filed with the LPSC and subsequently amended in June 2006) to target higher levels of minimum hedging percentages and mitigate the volatility in customer fuel costs.  The change in positions could result in increased volatility in the marked-to-market amounts for the financial positions.  These positions are marked-to-market with the resulting gain or loss recorded on the balance sheet as a component of the accumulated deferred fuel asset or liability and a component of the risk management assets or liabilities.  When these positions close, actual gains or losses are deferred and included in the fuel adjustment clause in the month the physical contract settles.  Based on market prices at June 30, 2007, the net mark-to-market impact related to open natural gas positions was a loss of $21.8 million.  Deferred losses relating to closed natural gas positions at June 30, 2007, totaled $5.8 million.
Cleco utilizes a VaR model to assess the market risk of its hedging portfolios, including derivative financial instruments. VaR represents the potential loss in fair value for an instrument from adverse changes in market factors over a defined period of time with a specified confidence level. VaR is calculated daily, using the variance/covariance method with delta approximation, assuming a holding period of one day, and a 95% confidence level for natural gas and power positions.  Volatility is calculated daily from historical forward prices using the exponentially weighted moving average method.
Based on these assumptions, the VaR relating to the economic hedge transactions for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, as well as the VaR at June 30, 2007, and December 31, 2006, is summarized below:
       
   
FOR THE THREE MONTHS
ENDED JUNE 30, 2007
 
(THOUSANDS)
 
HIGH
   
LOW
   
AVERAGE
 
Cleco Power
  $
318.9
    $
164.5
    $
255.9
 

                   
   
FOR THE SIX MONTHS
ENDED JUNE 30, 2007
   
AT JUNE 30,
   
AT DECEMBER 31,
 
(THOUSANDS)
 
HIGH
   
LOW
   
AVERAGE
   
2007
   
2006
 
Cleco Power
  $
452.6
    $
164.5
    $
306.9
    $
196.5
    $
459.5
 
 
Cleco Power

Please refer to “— Risk Overview” above for a discussion of market risk inherent in Cleco Power’s market risk-sensitive instruments.
Cleco Power has entered into various fixed- and variable-rate debt obligations.  Please refer to “— Interest Rate Risks” above for a discussion of how Cleco Power monitors its mix of fixed- and variable-rate debt obligations and the manner of calculating changes in fair market value and interest expense of its debt obligations.
As of June 30, 2007, Cleco Power had no long-term or short-term variable-rate debt.  However, at June 30, 2007, Cleco Power had borrowings of $125.0 million outstanding under its $275.0 million five-year credit facility at a weighted average cost of 5.64%.  The borrowing costs under the facility are equal to LIBOR plus 0.400%, including facility fees.  The existing borrowings have 30-day terms and various maturity dates.  If the amounts of the individual borrowings are renewed at maturity, rather than repaid, each 1.0% change in the average interest rates applicable to such debt would result in a change of approximately $1.3 million in Cleco Power’s annual pre-tax earnings.
Please refer to “— Commodity Price Risks” above for a discussion of controls, transactions, VaR, and market value maturities associated with Cleco Power’s energy commodity activities.
 
ITEM 4.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
In accordance with Rules 13a–15 and 15d–15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrants’ management has evaluated, as of the end of the period covered by this report, with the supervision and participation of the Registrants’ chief executive officer and chief financial officer, the effectiveness of the Registrants’ disclosure controls and procedures as defined by Rules 13a–15(e) and 15d–15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Disclosure Controls).  Based on that evaluation, such officers concluded that the Registrants’ disclosure controls were effective as of the date of that evaluation.
During the Registrants’ second fiscal quarter of 2007, there have been no changes in the Registrants’ internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrants’ internal control over financial reporting.

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CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

 
ITEM 1.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 
CLECO

For information on legal proceedings affecting Cleco, see Part I, Item 1, “Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements — Note 8 — Litigation and Other Commitments and Contingencies — Other Litigation,” and Note 16 — Calpine Bankruptcy.”

CLECO POWER

For information on legal proceedings affecting Cleco Power, see Part I, Item 1, “Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements — Note 8 — Litigation and Other Commitments and Contingencies — Other Litigation.”

ITEM 1A.    RISK FACTORS

Other than the removal of the risk factor regarding the FERC Staff Investigation, there have been no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in the Registrants’ Combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 (the “2006 Form 10-K”).  For risks that could affect actual results and cause results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, the Registrants, see the risk factors disclosed under “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of the 2006 Form 10-K.  For additional information on the settlement of the FERC Staff Investigation, see Item 1, “Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements — Note 8 — Litigation and Other Commitments and Contingencies — Other Contingencies — FERC Staff Investigation.”
 
ITEM 4.    SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 
(a)The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Cleco Corporation was held April 20, 2007, in Alexandria, Louisiana.
 
(b)Proxies for the election of directors were solicited pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  There was no solicitation in opposition to management’s nominees, and all nominees listed in the Proxy Statement were elected.
 
(c)The following is a tabulation of the votes cast upon each proposal presented at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Cleco Corporation on April 20, 2007.

 
(1)Election of Directors to serve until the 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders:

       
 
CLASS I DIRECTORS
FOR
WITHHELD
BROKER
NON-VOTES
Sherian G. Cadoria
52,470,850
892,589
0
Richard B. Crowell
52,778,660
584,779
0
Michael H. Madison
52,555,243
808,196
0
W.L. Westbrook
52,750,631
612,808
0

The term of office as a director of each of Messrs. William L. Marks, Robert T. Ratcliff, Sr., William H. Walker, Jr., J. Patrick Garrett, F. Ben James, Jr., and Elton R. King continued after the meeting.

 
(2)Ratification of the Audit Committee’s appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as Cleco’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2007:

       
FOR
AGAINST
ABSTAIN
BROKER
NON-VOTES
52,668,209
577,192
118,038
0

56

CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 

 
CLECO CORPORATION
 
10.1
Claims Settlement Agreement, dated as of April 23, 2007, by and among Calpine Corporation, Calpine Acadia Holdings, LLC and Calpine Energy Services, L.P., and Acadia Power Partners, LLC and Acadia Power Holdings, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Form 8-K (file no. 1-15759), filed April 26, 2007)
 
10.2
Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 23, 2007, by and among Calpine Acadia Holdings, LLC, as Seller, and Acadia Power Holdings, LLC, as Buyer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Form 8-K (file no. 1-15759), filed April 26, 2007)
 
10.3
Guaranty, made as of April 23, 2007 by Cleco Corporation in favor of Calpine Acadia Holdings, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of Form 8-K (file no. 1-15759), filed April 26, 2007)
 
12(a)
Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges and of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends for the three-, six-, and twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2007, for Cleco Corporation
 
31.1
CEO Certification in accordance with section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
31.2
CFO Certification in accordance with section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
32.1
CEO Certification pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
32.2
CFO Certification pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
99.1
FERC Order, issued June 12, 2007, approving the Stipulation and Consent Agreement by and among the Staff of the Office of Enforcement of the FERC and Cleco Corporation, Cleco Power LLC, Cleco Midstream Resources LLC, Cleco Evangeline LLC, Acadia Power Partners, LLC and Cleco Support Group LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of Form 8-K (file no. 1-15759), filed June 14, 2007)
 
99.2
Stipulation and Consent Agreement by and among the Staff of the Office of Enforcement of the FERC and Cleco Corporation, Cleco Power LLC, Cleco Midstream Resources LLC, Cleco Evangeline LLC, Acadia Power Partners, LLC and Cleco Support Group LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 of Form 8-K (file no. 1-15759), filed June 14, 2007)
 
CLECO POWER
 
10.4
401(k) Savings and Investment Plan, Amendment Number 2
 
12(b)
Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges for the three-, six-, and twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2007, for Cleco Power
 
31.3
CEO Certification in accordance with section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
31.4
CFO Certification in accordance with section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
32.3
CEO Certification pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
32.4
CFO Certification pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
99.1
FERC Order, issued June 12, 2007, approving the Stipulation and Consent Agreement by and among the Staff of the Office of Enforcement of the FERC and Cleco Corporation, Cleco Power LLC, Cleco Midstream Resources LLC, Cleco Evangeline LLC, Acadia Power Partners, LLC and Cleco Support Group LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of Form 8-K (file no. 1-15759), filed June 14, 2007)
 
99.2
Stipulation and Consent Agreement by and among the Staff of the Office of Enforcement of the FERC and Cleco Corporation, Cleco Power LLC, Cleco Midstream Resources LLC, Cleco Evangeline LLC, Acadia Power Partners, LLC and Cleco Support Group LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 of Form 8-K (file no. 1-15759), filed June 14, 2007)
 

57

CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.





 
CLECO CORPORATION
 
(Registrant)
   
   
   
   
 
By:  /s/ R. Russell Davis                                           
 
R. Russell Davis
 
Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer




Date:  August 1, 2007

58

CLECO CORPORATION   
CLECO POWER
2007 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.





 
CLECO POWER LLC
 
(Registrant)
   
   
   
   
 
By:  /s/ R. Russell Davis                                                
 
R. Russell Davis
 
Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer




Date:  August 1, 2007
 
 
59