Cleco set to begin grid improvements

The Louisiana Public Service Commission unanimously approved the largest single grid resiliency investment in Cleco’s history, the utility said in a press release.
Following LPSC approval, Cleco will finalize and begin executing its five-year resiliency plan, which will include over 550 projects that harden grid infrastructure by replacing electric equipment, undergrounding certain segments of the system, reinforcing utility poles and elevating substations above flood plains.
“The grid resiliency investments will reduce outages and lead to faster restoration times,” said Andre Guillory, chief customer officer for Cleco. “Additionally, a portion of the projects are focused on critical customers, like hospitals and emergency services. This work will enhance and protect vulnerable communities, first responders and critical services which are essential during storms or times of crisis.”
Last year, Cleco began a six-year initiative to nearly double the clearing of hazardous vegetation to reduce the occurrence and duration of power outages. In 2026, grid resiliency efforts will commence and further strengthen systemwide resilience, reduce storm-related costs, lead to fewer outages and faster restoration times, and result in over $400 million in value for Cleco customers.
“Every dollar invested in grid resilience delivers double the value or savings back to customers,” said Guillory. “In addition, a stronger, more resilient grid will help attract more business, jobs and economic opportunities for our Louisiana communities.”
Cleco is the only Louisiana utility to meet or exceed LPSC reliability standards for each of the last 26 years and kept customer lights on over 99.9% of the time in 2023, 2024 and is on track to do the same in 2025.
“While Cleco ranks among the state’s most reliable and resilient utilities, we will continue to pursue opportunities to enhance reliability and resiliency,” said Mark Kleehammer, Cleco general counsel and chief regulatory officer. “We thank our regulators, the Louisiana Public Service Commission, for their support and forward-thinking approach to investing in our infrastructure, customers and communities.”
Cleco Corporate Holdings LLC is a regional energy holding company that conducts its business operations through Cleco Power LLC, a regulated electric utility company that owns eight generating units with a rated capacity of 2,676 MWs and serves approximately 295,000 customers in Louisiana through its retail business and supplies wholesale power in Louisiana. For more information about Cleco, visit www.cleco.com.