Business Spotlight! CLECO Power – Energizing Communities Across Louisiana
As part of their Legacy Tier membership benefits with the Acadia Parish Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development, CLECO Power is being highlighted in this Business Spotlight. This feature showcases the valuable role they play in our community, from providing reliable energy to fostering innovation and supporting workforce development in Acadiana. We are proud to recognize CLECO Power’s contributions and commitment to driving economic growth and sustainability throughout the region.
CLECO Power has been lighting up Louisiana since 1935. Headquartered in Pineville, Louisiana, the company employs approximately 1,200 people and operates with a deep commitment to excellence, safety, and community.
As a regulated electric utility, CLECO Power owns and operates eight generating units across five facilities, boasting a rated capacity of nearly 3,000 megawatts. In addition, they manage 946 megawatts in partnership with other generation providers. Their extensive infrastructure includes around 1,386 miles of transmission lines and over 12,288 miles of distribution lines, ensuring reliable service for Louisiana.
CLECO Power serves approximately 295,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers across 24 parishes in Louisiana. These parishes, from Acadia to Washington, rely on CLECO’s multiple generating sources and fuels, ensuring a stable supply of energy. The company’s footprint extends through retail and wholesale power distribution across the state, reflecting its commitment to fueling Louisiana’s growth and prosperity.
CLECO Power’s dedication to the communities it serves goes beyond reliable energy delivery. The company’s core values of safety, respect, integrity, community, and excellence drive every aspect of its operations. “Investing in our communities is critical to the work that we do every day. We are committed to improving the quality of life in the communities we serve.,” says Amy Thibodeaux, CLECO’s Economic Development Project Manager.
This investment can be seen in projects like the CLECO Alternative Energy Center, located in Crowley, Louisiana. Opened in 2011, this $8M facility, a public-private partnership, is a hub for research into clean and renewable energy. The center is part of the UL Lafayette Alternative Energy Research Park and explores innovative solutions like biomass gasification, torrefaction, and digestion. “The Alternative Energy Center here in Crowley has allowed us to partner with ULL on the development of new technologies surrounding alternative energy and renewable power sources,” Thibodeaux explains.
CLECO is also deeply invested in preparing Louisiana’s workforce for the future. One of its standout programs is the partnership with South Louisiana Community College (SoLaCC) to support its Power Lineman Program. The program offers hands-on training in critical skills like pole-climbing, line testing, and industrial vehicle operation, ensuring the next generation of linemen is prepared to tackle the demands of the energy industry. “We want to not only invest in the communities we serve but also in the future generations of the workforce. The SoLaCC lineman program is one of the ways we help support the future of Louisiana.,” says Thibodeaux, highlighting CLECO’s role in fostering local talent.
CLECO’s impact is not just about powering homes and businesses today; it’s about innovating for the future. Their commitment to sustainability and renewable energy, combined with investments in workforce development and community engagement, makes CLECO Power a pivotal player in Louisiana’s energy landscape. As they continue to serve their customers and communities with integrity and excellence, CLECO is ensuring a bright future for Louisiana.
CLECO Power’s ongoing contributions and forward-thinking initiatives demonstrate how essential energy companies are to local economic growth, sustainability, and community well-being. Their leadership in alternative energy and workforce development sets a high standard for utilities everywhere.
