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 JuneSeptember 30, 2011
 
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 the Registrants have submitted electronically and posted on their corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrants were required to submit and post such files).  Yes x    No ¨
 
Indicate by check mark whether Cleco Corporation is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):  
Large accelerated filer x           Accelerated filer ¨                  Non-accelerated filer ¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)            Smaller reporting company ¨
 
Indicate by check mark whether Cleco Power LLC is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):
Large accelerated filer ¨           Accelerated filer ¨                  Non-accelerated filer x  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)            Smaller reporting company ¨
 
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.

RegistrantDescription of ClassShares Outstanding at July 29,October 28, 2011
   
Cleco CorporationCommon Stock, $1.00 Par Value61,062,44960,665,607

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       
2011 2ND3RD QUARTER FORM 10-Q
 
 
This Combined Quarterly Report on 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 Consolidated Financial Statements are combined.
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
PAGE
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
3
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
5
   
PART IFinancial Information 
ITEM 1.Cleco Corporation — Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
7
 Cleco Power — Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
16
 Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
23
ITEM 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
4647
ITEM 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
6264
ITEM 4.Controls and Procedures
6466
   
PART IIOther Information 
ITEM 1.Legal Proceedings
6567
ITEM 1A.Risk Factors
6567
ITEM 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
6567
ITEM 5.Other Information
67
ITEM 6.Exhibits
6668
 Signatures
6769


 
2

 
CLECO CORPORATION 
CLECO POWER       
2011 2ND3RD QUARTER FORM 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 and its subsidiaries, 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 ACRONYMDEFINITION
401(k) PlanCleco Power 401(k) Savings and Investment Plan
ABRAlternate Base Rate
AcadiaAcadia Power Partners, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of APH.  Acadia no longer owns any materials and supply inventory, property, plant and equipment, or land as a result of the disposition of Acadia Unit 2 to Entergy Louisiana on April 29, 2011.  From February 23, 2010 to April 29, 2011, Acadia was owned 100% by Cajun and consisted of Acadia Unit 2.  Prior to February 23, 2010, Acadia was 50% owned by APH and 50% owned by Cajun and consisted of Acadia Unit 1 and Acadia Unit 2.
Acadia Unit 1Cleco Power’s 580-MW unit, combined cycle, natural gas-fired power plant located at the Acadia Power Station near Eunice, Louisiana
Acadia Unit 2Entergy Louisiana’s 580-MW unit, combined cycle, natural gas-fired power plant located at the Acadia Power Station near Eunice, Louisiana.  Prior to April 29, 2011, Acadia Unit 2 was owned by Acadia.
Acadiana Load PocketAn area in south central Louisiana that has experienced transmission constraints caused by local load and lack of generation.  Transmission within the Acadiana Load Pocket is owned by several entities, including Cleco Power.
AFUDCAllowance for Funds Used During Construction
Amended EPC ContractAmended and Restated EPC Contract between Cleco Power and Shaw, executed on May 12, 2006, for engineering, procurement, and construction of Madison Unit 3, as amended by Amendment No. 1 thereto effective March 9, 2007, Amendment No. 2 thereto dated as of July 2, 2008, Amendment No. 3 thereto dated as of July 22, 2009, and Amendment No. 4 thereto dated October 19, 2009.
Amended Lignite Mining AgreementAmended and restated lignite mining agreement effective December 29, 2009
AMIAdvanced Metering Infrastructure
APHAcadia Power Holdings LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Midstream
AttalaAttala Transmission LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cleco Corporation
Brame Energy CenterFacility consisting of Nesbitt Unit 1, Rodemacher Unit 2, and Madison Unit 3.  On June 11, 2010, Rodemacher Power Station was renamed Brame Energy Center.
CajunCajun Gas Energy L.L.C., a wholly owned subsidiary of third parties.  In conjunction with the disposition of Acadia Unit 2 on April 29, 2011, APH no longer has any ownership interest in Cajun.  From February 23, 2010 to April 29, 2011, Cajun was 50% owned by APH and 50% owned by third parties.  Prior to February 23, 2010, Cajun was 100% owned by third parties.
Cleco Innovations LLCA wholly owned subsidiary of Cleco Corporation
Cleco Katrina/RitaCleco Katrina/Rita Hurricane Recovery Funding LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cleco Power
CoughlinCoughlin Power Station, a combined-cycle, natural gas-fired power plant located in Evangeline Parish, Louisiana.  On June 11, 2010, Evangeline Power Station was renamed Coughlin Power Station.
DHLCDolet Hills Lignite Company, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of SWEPCO
Diversified LandsDiversified Lands LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cleco Innovations LLC
DOEUnited States Department of Energy
Entergy Gulf StatesEntergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C., formerly Entergy Gulf States, Inc.
Entergy LouisianaEntergy Louisiana, LLC
Entergy MississippiEntergy Mississippi, Inc.
Entergy ServicesEntergy Services, Inc., as agent for Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Gulf States
EPAUnited States Environmental Protection Agency
EPCEngineering, Procurement, and Construction
ESPPCleco Corporation Employee Stock Purchase Plan
EvangelineCleco Evangeline LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Midstream, and its combined cycle, natural gas-fired power plant located in Evangeline Parish, Louisiana.  On June 11, 2010, the power plant was renamed Coughlin Power Station.
Evangeline 2010 Tolling AgreementCapacity Sale and Tolling Agreement between Evangeline and JPMVEC, which was executed in February 2010
Evangeline Restructuring AgreementPurchase, Sale and Restructuring Agreement entered into on February 22, 2010, by Evangeline and JPMVEC
Evangeline Tolling AgreementCapacity Sale and Tolling Agreement between Evangeline and BE Louisiana LLC (as successor to Williams Power Company, Inc.) which was set to expire in 2020 and was terminated in February 2010.  In September 2008, BE Louisiana LLC was merged into JPMVEC.
FASBFinancial Accounting Standards Board
FERCFederal Energy Regulatory Commission
FRPFormula Rate Plan
GAAPGenerally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States
GO ZoneGulf Opportunity Zone Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-135)
ICTIndependent Coordinator of Transmission
Interconnection AgreementOne of two Interconnection Agreement and Real Estate Agreements, one between Attala and Entergy Mississippi, and the other between Perryville and Entergy Louisiana
IRPIntegrated Resource Planning
IRSInternal Revenue Service
JPMVECJ.P. Morgan Ventures Energy Corporation.  In September 2008, BE Louisiana LLC was merged into JPMVEC.
kWhKilowatt-hour(s) as applicable
LIBORLondon Inter-Bank Offer Rate
Lignite Mining AgreementDolet Hills Mine Lignite Mining Agreement, dated as of May 31, 2001

 
3

 
CLECO CORPORATION 
CLECO POWER       
2011 2ND3RD QUARTER FORM 10-Q
 
 
 
ABBREVIATION OR ACRONYMDEFINITION
LPSCLouisiana Public Service Commission
LTICPCleco Corporation Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan
Madison Unit 3A 600-MW solid-fuel generating unit at Cleco Power’s plant site in Boyce, Louisiana that commenced commercial operation on February 12, 2010.  Prior to June 11, 2010, Madison Unit 3 was known as Rodemacher Unit 3.
MidstreamCleco Midstream Resources LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cleco Corporation
MMBtuMillion British thermal units
Moody’sMoody’s Investors Service
MWMegawatt(s) as applicable
NERCNorth American Electric Reliability Corporation
OCIOther Comprehensive Income
NOx
Nitrogen oxides
OxbowOxbow Lignite Company, LLC, 50% owned by Cleco Power and 50% owned by SWEPCO
PCAOBPublic Company Accounting Oversight Board
PCBPolychlorinated biphenyl
PerryvillePerryville Energy Partners, L.L.C., a wholly owned subsidiary of Cleco Corporation
Power Purchase AgreementPower Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 28, 2004, between Perryville and Entergy Services
PPACAPatient Protection and Affordable Care Act (HR 3590)
PRPPotentially responsible party
Registrant(s)Cleco Corporation and Cleco Power
RFPRequest for Proposal
Sale AgreementPurchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of January 28, 2004, between Perryville and Entergy Louisiana
SECSecurities and Exchange Commission
SERPCleco Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
ShawShaw Contractors, Inc., a subsidiary of The Shaw Group Inc.
SO2
Sulfur dioxide
SPPSouthwest Power Pool
Support GroupCleco Support Group LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cleco Corporation
SWEPCOSouthwestern Electric Power Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Electric Power Company, Inc.
TecheTeche Electric Cooperative, Inc.
VaRValue-at-risk
VIEVariable Interest Entity

 
4

 
CLECO CORPORATION 
CLECO POWER       
2011 2ND3RD QUARTER FORM 10-Q
 
 
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Combined 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 Combined Quarterly Report are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding Madison Unit 3; JPMVEC’s performance under the Evangeline 2010 Tolling Agreement; future capital expenditures; projections, including with respect to base revenue; business strategies; goals, beliefs, plans, and objectives; competitive strengths; market developments; development and operation of facilities; growth in sales volume; meeting capacity requirements;requirements, including through RFPs; expansion of service to certain customers and service to new customers; future environmental regulations and remediation liabilities; electric customer credits; and the anticipated outcome of various regulatory and legal proceedings.  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 or severe drought conditions); unscheduled generation outages; unanticipated maintenance or repairs; unanticipated changes to fuel costs; fuel supply costs or availability constraints due to higher demand, shortages, transportation problems, or other developments; fuel mix of Cleco’s generation facilities; decreased customer load; environmental incidents; environmental compliance costs; and 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 operate and maintain, within its projected costs, any self-build projects identified in future IRP and RFP processes and its participation in any government grants;
 
§  Dependence of Cleco Power for energy from sources other than its facilities and the uncertainty of future sources of such additional energy;
 
§  Nonperformance by and creditworthiness of counterparties under tolling and power purchase agreements, or the restructuring of those agreements, including possible termination;
§  Nonperformance by and creditworthiness of the guarantor counterparty of the U.S. Bank New Markets Tax Credit Fund 2008-1 LLC;
 
§  Regulatory factors such as changes in rate-setting policies, recovery of investments made under traditional regulation, recovery of storm restoration costs, the frequency and timing of rate increases or decreases, the results of periodic NERC audits and fuel audits, the formation of ICTs, and the compliance with the Electric Reliability Organization reliability standards for bulk power systems by Cleco Power and Evangeline;
 
§  Financial or regulatory accounting principles or policies imposed by FASB, the SEC, the PCAOB, FERC, the LPSC, or similar entities with regulatory or accounting oversight;
 
§  Economic conditions, including the ability of customers to continue paying for utility bills, related growth and/or down-sizing of businesses in Cleco’s service area, monetary fluctuations, changes in commodity prices, and inflation rates;
 
§  The current global and U.S. economic environment;
 
§  Credit ratings of Cleco Corporation and Cleco Power;
 
§  Ability to remain in compliance with debt covenants;
 
§  Changes in 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;
 
§  The availability and use of alternative sources of energy and technologies;
 
§  The imposition of energy efficiency requirements or of increased conservation efforts of customers;
 
§  Reliability of all Cleco Power and Midstream generating facilities, particularly Madison Unit 3;
 
§  Acts of terrorism or other man-made disasters;
 
§  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;
 
§  Uncertain tax positions;
 
§  Employee work force factors, including work stoppages and changes in key executives;
 
§  Legal, environmental, and regulatory delays and other obstacles associated with mergers, acquisitions, reorganizations, investments in joint ventures, or other capital projects, including the joint project to upgrade the Acadiana Load Pocket transmission system, and the AMI project;
 
§  Costs and other effects of legal and administrative proceedings, settlements, investigations, claims, and other matters;
 
5

CLECO CORPORATION
CLECO POWER 
2011 3RD QUARTER FORM 10-Q
§  Changes in federal, state, or local laws, and changes in tax laws or rates, or regulating policies;
 
§  The impact of current or future environmental laws and regulations, including those related to greenhouse gases and energy efficiency, which could limit, or terminate, the
5

CLECO CORPORATION
CLECO POWER 
2011 2ND QUARTER FORM 10-Q
§  operation of certain generating units, increase costs, reduce customer demand for electricity or otherwise materially adversely impact the Registrants’ financial condition or results of operations;
 
§  Ability of Cleco Power to recover from its customers the costs of compliance with environmental laws and regulations; and
 
§  Ability of the Dolet Hills lignite reserve to provide sufficient fuel to the Dolet Hills Power Station until at least 2026.

 
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 reportthe Registrants’ Combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2011, and the Registrants’ Combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.  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       
2011 2ND3RD QUARTER FORM 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, 2010.  For additional information on the basis of presentation, see “Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Basis of Presentation.”
 
 
7

 
CLECO CORPORATION 
CLECO POWER       
2011 2ND3RD QUARTER FORM 10-Q
 
 
CLECO CORPORATION

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
 
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
  FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 
(THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS) 
2011
  
2010
  
2011
  
2010
 
Operating revenue            
Electric operations
 $260,485  $261,101  $324,532  $325,629 
Tolling operations
  4,222   4,399   9,133   11,153 
Other operations
  12,983   10,245   16,064   13,305 
Affiliate revenue
  55   158   -   119 
Gross operating revenue
  277,745   275,903   349,729   350,206 
Electric customer credits
  (4,822)  -   1,852   (6,314)
Operating revenue, net
  272,923   275,903   351,581   343,892 
Operating expenses                
Fuel used for electric generation
  78,268   81,558   122,774   100,587 
Power purchased for utility customers
  25,477   24,508   24,739   51,678 
Other operations
  31,671   29,845   32,872   30,288 
Maintenance
  28,269   21,633   14,587   23,362 
Depreciation
  29,985   29,798   30,557   28,847 
Taxes other than income taxes
  9,464   8,565   9,845   9,123 
Gain on sale of assets
  (506)  (98)
Loss on sale of assets
  27   20 
Total operating expenses
  202,628   195,809   235,401   243,905 
Operating income  70,295   80,094   116,180   99,987 
Interest income  170   80   509   128 
Allowance for other funds used during construction  876   359   902   887 
Equity income (loss) from investees, before tax  61,440   (1,129)
Equity (loss) income from investees, before tax  (1)  2,494 
Other income  1,050   266   2,128   2,755 
Other expense  (1,344)  (2,577)  (3,360)  (1,416)
Interest charges                
Interest charges, including amortization of debt expenses, premium, and discount, net of capitalized interest
  25,935   24,663 
Interest charges, including amortization of debt expense, premium, and discount, net
  26,105   25,404 
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction
  (316)  (145)  (326)  (336)
Total interest charges
  25,619   24,518   25,779   25,068 
Income before income taxes  106,868   52,575   90,579   79,767 
Federal and state income tax expense  36,520   17,389   24,737   30,155 
Net income  70,348   35,186   65,842   49,612 
Preferred dividends requirements, net of tax  15   12   -   12 
Preferred stock redemption costs, net of tax  112   - 
Net income applicable to common stock $70,221  $35,174  $65,842  $49,600 
                
Average number of basic common shares outstanding  60,655,538   60,431,930   60,467,595   60,471,183 
Average number of diluted common shares outstanding  61,023,439   60,705,269   60,873,311   60,825,298 
Basic earnings per share                
Net income applicable to common stock
 $1.16  $0.58  $1.09  $0.82 
Diluted earnings per share                
Net income applicable to common stock
 $1.15  $0.58  $1.08  $0.82 
Cash dividends paid per share of common stock $0.28  $0.25  $0.28  $0.25 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.                
 
 
8

 
CLECO CORPORATION 
CLECO POWER       
2011 2ND3RD QUARTER FORM 10-Q
 
 
CLECO CORPORATION

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
 
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
  FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 
(THOUSANDS) 
2011
  
2010
  
2011
  
2010
 
Net income $70,348  $35,186  $65,842  $49,612 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:        
Amortization of post-retirement benefit net income (loss) (net of tax (expense) benefit of $(127) in 2011 and $6 in 2010)
  304   (9)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:        
Amortization of post-retirement benefit net income (net of tax expense of $178 in 2011 and $6 in 2010)
  269   9 
Cash flow hedges:                
Net derivatives loss on interest rate swap arising during the period (net of tax benefit of $23 in 2010)
  -   (37)
Reclassification of interest expense on interest rate swap (net of tax expense of $76 in 2010)
  -   121 
Net derivatives loss on interest rate swap arising during the period (net of tax benefit of $145 in 2010)
  -   (231)
Reclassification of interest expense on interest rate swap (net of tax expense of $75 in 2010)
  -   119 
Reclassification of interest expense on treasury rate lock (net of tax benefit of $34 in 2011 and $16 in 2010)
  (55)  (26)  (55)  (25)
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax  249   49 
Net unrealized loss on treasury rate lock (net of tax benefit of $11,529 in 2011)
  (18,433)  - 
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax  (18,219)  (128)
Comprehensive income, net of tax $70,597  $35,235  $47,623  $49,484 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.                

 
9

 
CLECO CORPORATION 
CLECO POWER       
2011 2ND3RD QUARTER FORM 10-Q
 


CLECO CORPORATION

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
 
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
  FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 
(THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS) 
2011
  
2010
  
2011
  
2010
 
Operating revenue            
Electric operations
 $498,953  $513,899  $823,484  $839,528 
Tolling operations
  7,003   11,863   16,137   23,016 
Other operations
  25,711   21,119   41,775   34,425 
Affiliate revenue
  202   1,307   202   1,426 
Gross operating revenue
  531,869   548,188   881,598   898,395 
Electric customer credits
  (5,256)  -   (3,405)  (6,314)
Operating revenue, net
  526,613   548,188   878,193   892,081 
Operating expenses                
Fuel used for electric generation
  175,236   176,140   298,009   276,727 
Power purchased for utility customers
  33,926   72,727   58,665   124,404 
Other operations
  59,336   56,499   92,206   86,786 
Maintenance
  45,078   35,470   59,666   58,832 
Depreciation
  59,084   54,051   89,641   82,899 
Taxes other than income taxes
  18,924   17,367   28,770   26,490 
Gain on sale of assets
  (496)  (57)  (468)  (37)
Total operating expenses
  391,088   412,197   626,489   656,101 
Operating income  135,525   135,991   251,704   235,980 
Interest income  285   242   794   369 
Allowance for other funds used during construction  2,854   10,165   3,757   11,052 
Equity income from investees, before tax  62,052   36,718 
Income from equity investees, before tax  62,051   39,212 
Gain on toll settlement  -   148,402   -   148,402 
Other income  2,254   807   3,330   3,563 
Other expense  (2,661)  (2,962)  (4,969)  (4,379)
Interest charges                
Interest charges, including amortization of debt expenses, premium, and discount, net of capitalized interest
  53,263   50,670 
Interest charges, including amortization of debt expense, premium, and discount, net
  79,368   76,074 
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction
  (1,031)  (3,718)  (1,357)  (4,054)
Total interest charges
  52,232   46,952   78,011   72,020 
Income before income taxes  148,077   282,411   238,656   362,179 
Federal and state income tax expense  48,714   97,256   73,451   127,411 
Net income  99,363   185,155   165,205   234,768 
Preferred dividends requirements, net of tax  26   23   26   35 
Preferred stock redemption costs, net of tax  112   -   112   - 
Net income applicable to common stock $99,225  $185,132  $165,067  $234,733 
                
Average number of basic common shares outstanding  60,613,371   60,374,233   60,549,860   60,405,388 
Average number of diluted common shares outstanding  60,797,545   60,519,066   60,830,251   60,632,138 
Basic earnings per share                
Net income applicable to common stock
 $1.64  $3.07  $2.73  $3.89 
Diluted earnings per share                
Net income applicable to common stock
 $1.63  $3.06  $2.71  $3.87 
Cash dividends paid per share of common stock $0.53  $0.475  $0.81  $0.725 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.                

10

 
CLECO CORPORATION 
CLECO POWER       
2011 2ND3RD QUARTER FORM 10-Q
 

CLECO CORPORATION

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
  
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
 
(THOUSANDS) 
2011
  
2010
 
Net income $99,363  $185,155 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:        
Amortization of post-retirement benefit net income (loss) (net of tax (expense) benefit of $(276) in 2011 and $12 in 2010)
  640   (19)
Cash flow hedges:
        
Net derivatives loss on interest rate swap arising during the period (net of tax benefit of $131 in 2010)
  -   (210)
Reclassification of interest expense on interest rate swap (net of tax expense of $153 in 2010)
  -   246 
Reclassification of interest expense on treasury rate lock (net of tax benefit of $68 in 2011 and $32 in 2010)
  (109)  (51)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax  531   (34)
Comprehensive income, net of tax $99,894  $185,121 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.        
  
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
 
(THOUSANDS) 
2011
  
2010
 
Net income $165,205  $234,768 
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:        
Amortization of post-retirement benefit net income (loss) (net of tax (expense) benefit of $(454) in 2011 and $6 in 2010)
  910   (9)
Cash flow hedges:
        
Net derivatives loss on interest rate swap arising during the period (net of tax benefit of $276 in 2010)
  -   (441)
Reclassification of interest expense on interest rate swap (net of tax expense of $228 in 2010)
  -   364 
Reclassification of interest expense on treasury rate lock (net of tax benefit of $103 in 2011 and $48 in 2010)
  (164)  (77)
Net unrealized loss on treasury rate lock (net of tax benefit of $11,529 in 2011)
  (18,433)  - 
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax  (17,687)  (163)
Comprehensive income, net of tax $147,518  $234,605 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.        

 
11

 
CLECO CORPORATION 
CLECO POWER       
2011 2ND3RD QUARTER FORM 10-Q
 

CLECO CORPORATION

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
(THOUSANDS) 
AT JUNE 30, 2011
  
AT DECEMBER 31, 2010
  AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2011  
AT DECEMBER 31, 2010
 
Assets            
Current assets
            
Cash and cash equivalents
 $162,126  $191,128  $158,232  $191,128 
Restricted cash
  8,073   14,959   3,554   14,959 
Customer accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,000 in 2011 and $1,046 in 2010)
  46,007   38,820 
Customer accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,177 in 2011 and $1,046 in 2010)
  52,299   38,820 
Accounts receivable - affiliate
  -   831   -   831 
Other accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,813 in 2011 and $2,409 in 2010)
  51,043   52,546 
Other accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,985 in 2011 and $2,409 in 2010)
  49,290   52,546 
Taxes receivable
  40,444   50,104   36,705   50,104 
Unbilled revenue
  40,757   44,649   33,112   44,649 
Fuel inventory, at average cost
  43,944   82,737   38,070   82,737 
Material and supplies inventory, at average cost
  52,622   48,265   52,257   48,265 
Accumulated deferred federal and state income taxes, net
  26,304   4,106   25,057   4,106 
Accumulated deferred fuel
  20,986   10,348   9,162   10,348 
Cash surrender value of company-/trust-owned life insurance policies
  51,965   49,789   50,628   49,789 
Prepayments
  5,148   6,399   5,004   6,399 
Regulatory assets - other
  12,973   13,508   12,869   13,508 
Other current assets
  1,346   661   4,745   661 
Total current assets
  563,738   608,850   530,984   608,850 
Property, plant and equipment
                
Property, plant and equipment
  3,839,211   3,810,896   3,859,621   3,810,896 
Accumulated depreciation
  (1,198,373)  (1,162,456)  (1,218,818)  (1,162,456)
Net property, plant and equipment
  2,640,838   2,648,440   2,640,803   2,648,440 
Construction work in progress
  170,684   135,785   223,640   135,785 
Total property, plant and equipment, net
  2,811,522   2,784,225   2,864,443   2,784,225 
Equity investment in investees
  13,083   86,732   13,081   86,732 
Prepayments
  4,940   5,274   4,580   5,274 
Restricted cash, less current portion
  27,126   26,089   25,349   26,089 
Regulatory assets and liabilities - deferred taxes, net
  208,247   203,696   213,847   203,696 
Regulatory assets - other
  256,513   266,431   249,410   266,431 
Net investment in direct financing lease
  13,719   13,817   13,676   13,817 
Intangible asset
  139,648   145,374   136,393   145,374 
Other deferred charges
  20,183   20,922   19,778   20,922 
Total assets
 $4,058,719  $4,161,410  $4,071,541  $4,161,410 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.                

 (Continued on next page)

12

 
CLECO CORPORATION 
CLECO POWER       
2011 2ND3RD QUARTER FORM 10-Q
 
 
CLECO CORPORATION

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Continued)
(THOUSANDS) 
AT JUNE 30, 2011
  
AT DECEMBER 31, 2010
  AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2011  
AT DECEMBER 31, 2010
 
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity            
Liabilities
            
Current liabilities
            
Short-term debt
 $-  $150,000  $-  $150,000 
Long-term debt due within one year
  12,683   12,269   13,108   12,269 
Accounts payable
  110,814   123,042   93,186   123,042 
Retainage
  3,967   2,726   3,231   2,726 
Accounts payable - affiliate
  -   155   -   155 
Customer deposits
  41,303   38,934   42,181   38,934 
Provision for rate refund
  14,854   9,598   3,917   9,598 
Interest accrued
  53,120   34,462   62,377   34,462 
Risk management liability, net
  5,743   9,027 
Energy risk management liability, net
  5,159   9,027 
Interest rate risk management liability
  29,962   - 
Regulatory liabilities - other
  38,828   43,562   33,272   43,562 
Deferred compensation
  8,345   7,751   7,562   7,751 
Uncertain tax positions
  73,325   31,853   42,674   31,853 
Other current liabilities
  15,040   14,302   14,784   14,302 
Total current liabilities
  378,022   477,681   351,413   477,681 
Deferred credits
                
Accumulated deferred federal and state income taxes, net
  588,282   553,211   624,429   553,211 
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits
  8,051   8,669   7,741   8,669 
Post-retirement benefit obligations
  108,968   166,387   109,865   166,387 
Regulatory liabilities - other
  26,577   44,313   7,026   44,313 
Restricted storm reserve
  26,433   25,993   24,656   25,993 
Uncertain tax positions
  20,375   60,395   47,715   60,395 
Tax credit fund investment, net
  56,563   44,514   48,494   44,514 
Contingent sale obligations
  30,243   4,714   29,443   4,714 
Other deferred credits
  40,784   57,617   44,070   57,617 
Total deferred credits
  906,276   965,813   943,439   965,813 
Long-term debt, net
  1,387,346   1,399,709   1,370,576   1,399,709 
Total liabilities
  2,671,644   2,843,203   2,665,428   2,843,203 
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 11)                
Shareholders’ equity                
Preferred stock
                
Not subject to mandatory redemption, $100 par value, authorized 1,491,900 shares, issued 0 and 10,288 shares at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively
  -   1,029 
Not subject to mandatory redemption, $100 par value, authorized 1,491,900 shares, issued 0 and 10,288 shares at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively
  -   1,029 
Common shareholders’ equity
                
Common stock, $1 par value, authorized 100,000,000 shares, issued 60,676,750 and 60,539,624 shares and outstanding 60,665,382 and 60,526,126 shares at June 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, respectively
  60,677   60,540 
Common stock, $1 par value, authorized 100,000,000 shares, issued 60,683,947 and 60,539,624 shares and outstanding 60,273,131 and 60,526,126 shares at September 30, 2011, and
December 31, 2010, respectively
  60,684   60,540 
Premium on common stock
  407,638   405,313   409,040   405,313 
Retained earnings
  930,098   863,237   978,942   863,237 
Treasury stock, at cost, 11,368 and 13,498 shares at June 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, respectively
  (231)  (274)
Treasury stock, at cost, 410,816 and 13,498 shares at September 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, respectively
  (13,228)  (274)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
  (11,107)  (11,638)  (29,325)  (11,638)
Total common shareholders’ equity
  1,387,075   1,317,178   1,406,113   1,317,178 
Total shareholders’ equity
  1,387,075   1,318,207   1,406,113   1,318,207 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $4,058,719  $4,161,410  $4,071,541  $4,161,410 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.                

 
13

 
CLECO CORPORATION 
CLECO POWER       
2011 2ND3RD QUARTER FORM 10-Q
 

CLECO CORPORATION

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
 
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
  
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
 
(THOUSANDS) 
2011
  
2010
  
2011
  
2010
 
Operating activities            
Net income
 $99,363  $185,155  $165,205  $234,768 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                
Depreciation and amortization
  96,217   82,220   114,104   124,144 
Gain on forgiveness of debt
  -   (129,870)  -   (129,870)
Return on equity investment in investee
  58,665   -   58,665   - 
Gain from equity investments
  (62,052)  (36,718)
Income from equity investments
  (62,051)  (39,212)
Unearned compensation expense
  3,795   1,997   6,065   3,947 
Allowance for other funds used during construction
  (2,854)  (10,165)  (3,757)  (11,052)
Net deferred income taxes
  8,292   24,066   45,336   40,013 
Deferred fuel costs
  (16,077)  8,897   (6,422)  13,994 
Cash surrender value of company-/trust-owned life insurance
  (1,343)  529   1,055   (1,481)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
                
Accounts receivable
  (19,923)  (19,498)  (18,274)  (30,329)
Accounts and notes receivable, affiliate
  833   2,110   1,074   894 
Unbilled revenue
  3,892   (34,944)  11,538   (23,359)
Fuel, materials and supplies inventory
  34,437   (798)  40,675   (11,979)
Prepayments
  1,585   838   2,089   1,047 
Accounts payable
  (7,575)  (25,684)  (34,986)  (13,277)
Accounts and notes payable, affiliate
  (552)  (2,369)  (552)  (2,364)
Customer deposits
  6,426   6,384   9,718   9,490 
Long-term receivable
  -   27,976   -   27,976 
Post-retirement benefit obligations
  (57,640)  (1,347)  (56,743)  503 
Regulatory assets and liabilities, net
  (18,531)  (38,433)  (40,204)  (77,331)
Contingent sale obligations
  10,900   6,636   10,900   4,800 
Other deferred accounts
  (729)  2,937   (2,184)  7,363 
Retainage payable
  (430)  -   (2,481)  - 
Taxes accrued
  9,187   55,457   12,946   51,597 
Interest accrued
  (637)  1,501   10,738   9,606 
Risk management assets and liabilities, net
  1,990   4,870 
Energy risk management assets and liabilities, net
  3,880   6,340 
Other operating
  591   (3,769)  (3,692)  (3,860)
Net cash provided by operating activities
  147,830   107,978   262,642   192,368 
Investing activities                
Additions to property, plant and equipment
  (66,081)  (217,660)  (145,669)  (252,711)
Allowance for other funds used during construction
  2,854   10,165   3,757   11,052 
Cash from reconsolidation of VIEs
  3,879   812   3,879   812 
Return of equity investment in investee
  89,654   -   89,654   - 
Equity investment in investees
  -   (8,500)  -   (8,700)
Return of investment in tax credit fund
  244   -   244   - 
Contributions to tax credit fund
  (18,479)  (17,550)  (18,479)  (28,837)
Transfer of cash from restricted accounts
  5,849   37,654   12,144   45,243 
Other investing
  329   (1,825)  373   (1,678)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
  18,249   (196,904)
Net cash used in investing activities
 $(54,097) $(234,819)

 
(Continued on next page)


14

 
CLECO CORPORATION 
CLECO POWER       
2011 2ND3RD QUARTER FORM 10-Q
 


CLECO CORPORATION

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (Continued)
 
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
  
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
 
(THOUSANDS) 
2011
  
2010
  
2011
  
2010
 
Financing activities            
Issuance of short-term debt
  -   150,000  $-  $150,000 
Retirement of short-term debt
  (150,000)  -   (150,000)  - 
Draws on revolving credit facility
  10,000   240,000 
Payments on revolving credit facility
  (15,000)  (325,000)
Draws on credit facility
  10,000   255,000 
Payments on credit facility
  (25,000)  (350,000)
Retirement of long-term debt
  (6,283)  (41,110)  (12,269)  (46,696)
Repurchase of common stock
  (13,009)  - 
Redemption of preferred stock
  (1,039)  -   (1,039)  - 
Dividends paid on preferred stock
  (26)  (23)  (26)  (35)
Dividends paid on common stock
  (32,168)  (28,718)  (49,170)  (43,848)
Other financing
  (565)  739   (928)  673 
Net cash used in financing activities
  (195,081)  (4,112)  (241,441)  (34,906)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents  (29,002)  (93,038)  (32,896)  (77,357)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period  191,128   145,193   191,128   145,193 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $162,126  $52,155  $158,232  $67,836 
Supplementary cash flow information                
Interest paid (net of amount capitalized)
 $44,170  $42,270  $53,936  $55,623 
Income taxes paid
 $13,486  $2,882  $18,241  $17,047 
Supplementary non-cash investing and financing activities                
Accrued additions to property, plant and equipment
 $14,548  $7,232  $11,491  $5,314 
Issuance of treasury stock - LTICP
 $43  $48  $55  $74 
Issuance of common stock - LTICP/ESPP
 $157  $147  $241  $222 
Non-cash additions to property, plant and equipment
 $2,257  $152,067  $4,074  $152,067 
Non-cash return of investment
 $-  $152,067  $-  $152,067 
Non-cash contribution to subsidiary, net of tax
 $-  $225,732  $-  $225,732 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.                
 
 
15

 
CLECO CORPORATION 
CLECO POWER       
2011 2ND3RD QUARTER FORM 10-Q
 
 
PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Cleco Power
These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with Cleco Power’s Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes included in the Registrants’ Combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.  For additional information on the basis of presentation, see “Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Basis of Presentation.”
 
16

 
CLECO CORPORATION 
CLECO POWER       
2011 2ND3RD QUARTER FORM 10-Q
 
 
CLECO POWER

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
 
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
  FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 
(THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS) 
2011
  
2010
  
2011
  
2010
 
Operating revenue            
Electric operations
 $260,485  $261,101  $324,532  $325,629 
Other operations
  12,453   9,755   15,565   12,819 
Affiliate revenue
  348   344   347   343 
Gross operating revenue
  273,286   271,200   340,444   338,791 
Electric customer credits
  (4,822)  -   1,852   (6,314)
Operating revenue, net
  268,464   271,200   342,296   332,477 
Operating expenses                
Fuel used for electric generation
  78,268   81,558   122,774   100,587 
Power purchased for utility customers
  25,477   24,508   24,739   51,678 
Other operations
  29,912   28,051   31,185   28,650 
Maintenance
  22,581   19,704   15,768   20,272 
Depreciation
  28,282   28,162   28,859   27,133 
Taxes other than income taxes
  8,396   7,909   8,802   9,161 
(Gain) loss on sale of assets
  (6)  7 
Total operating expenses
  192,916   189,892   232,121   237,488 
Operating income  75,548   81,308   110,175   94,989 
Interest income  168   76   276   117 
Allowance for other funds used during construction  876   359   902   887 
Other income  644   274   1,323   293 
Other expense  (1,341)  (1,374)  (1,881)  (1,339)
Interest charges                
Interest charges, including amortization of debt expenses, premium, and discount, net of capitalized interest
  24,638   22,463 
Interest charges, including amortization of debt expense, premium, and discount, net
  25,632   16,380 
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction
  (316)  (145)  (326)  (336)
Total interest charges
  24,322   22,318   25,306   16,044 
Income before income taxes  51,573   58,325   85,489   78,903 
Federal and state income tax expense  15,879   19,236   31,656   26,568 
Net income $35,694  $39,089  $53,833  $52,335 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.                

 
17

 
CLECO CORPORATION 
CLECO POWER       
2011 2ND3RD QUARTER FORM 10-Q
 

CLECO POWER

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
 
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
  FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 
(THOUSANDS) 
2011
  
2010
  
2011
  
2010
 
Net income $35,694  $39,089  $53,833  $52,335 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:        
Amortization of post-retirement benefit net income (loss) (net of tax (expense) benefit of $(65) in 2011 and $58 in 2010)
  188   (92)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:        
Amortization of post-retirement benefit net income (loss) (net of tax (expense) benefit of $(99) in 2011 and $55 in 2010)
  146   (89)
Cash flow hedges:                
Net derivatives loss on interest rate swap arising during the period (net of tax benefit of $23 in 2010)
  -   (37)
Reclassification of interest expense on interest rate swap (net of tax expense of $76 in 2010)
  -   121 
Net derivatives loss on interest rate swap arising during the period (net of tax benefit of $145 in 2010)
  -   (231)
Reclassification of interest expense on interest rate swap (net of tax expense of $75 in 2010)
  -   119 
Reclassification of interest expense on treasury rate lock (net of tax benefit of $34 in 2011 and $16 in 2010)
  (55)  (26)  (55)  (25)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax  133   (34)
Net unrealized loss on treasury rate lock (net of tax benefit of $11,529 in 2011)
  (18,433)  - 
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax  (18,342)  (226)
Comprehensive income, net of tax $35,827  $39,055  $35,491  $52,109 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.                

18

CLECO CORPORATION
CLECO POWER 
2011 3RD QUARTER FORM 10-Q
CLECO POWER

18Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
  
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
 
(THOUSANDS) 
2011
  
2010
 
Operating revenue      
Electric operations
 $823,484  $839,528 
Other operations
  40,261   32,959 
Affiliate revenue
  1,041   1,029 
Gross operating revenue
  864,786   873,516 
Electric customer credits
  (3,405)  (6,314)
Operating revenue, net
  861,381   867,202 
Operating expenses        
Fuel used for electric generation
  298,009   276,727 
Power purchased for utility customers
  58,665   124,404 
Other operations
  87,086   81,111 
Maintenance
  53,962   51,697 
Depreciation
  84,543   77,941 
Taxes other than income taxes
  25,585   25,110 
(Gain) loss on sale of assets
  (7)  47 
Total operating expenses
  607,843   637,037 
Operating income  253,538   230,165 
Interest income  557   351 
Allowance for other funds used during construction  3,757   11,052 
Other income  2,168   1,038 
Other expense  (4,499)  (3,619)
Interest charges        
Interest charges, including amortization of debt expense, premium, and discount, net
  75,386   61,158 
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction
  (1,357)  (4,054)
Total interest charges
  74,029   57,104 
Income before income taxes  181,492   181,883 
Federal and state income tax expense  61,935   58,299 
Net income $119,557  $123,584 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.        
19

 
CLECO CORPORATION 
CLECO POWER       
2011 2ND3RD QUARTER FORM 10-Q
 
 
CLECO POWER

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
  
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
 
(THOUSANDS) 
2011
  
2010
 
Operating revenue      
Electric operations
 $498,953  $513,899 
Other operations
  24,696   20,140 
Affiliate revenue
  694   686 
Gross operating revenue
  524,343   534,725 
Electric customer credits
  (5,256)  - 
Operating revenue, net
  519,087   534,725 
Operating expenses        
Fuel used for electric generation
  175,236   176,140 
Power purchased for utility customers
  33,926   72,727 
Other operations
  55,901   52,460 
Maintenance
  38,194   31,426 
Depreciation
  55,683   50,808 
Taxes other than income taxes
  16,783   15,949 
(Gain) loss on sale of assets
  (1)  39 
Total operating expenses
  375,722   399,549 
Operating income  143,365   135,176 
Interest income  281   234 
Allowance for other funds used during construction  2,854   10,165 
Other income  844   745 
Other expense  (2,618)  (2,280)
Interest charges        
Interest charges, including amortization of debt expenses, premium, and discount, net of capitalized interest
  49,754   44,778 
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction
  (1,031)  (3,718)
Total interest charges
  48,723   41,060 
Income before income taxes  96,003   102,980 
Federal and state income tax expense  30,279   31,731 
Net income $65,724  $71,249 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.        
  
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
 
(THOUSANDS) 
2011
  
2010
 
Net income $119,557  $123,584 
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:        
Amortization of post-retirement benefit net income (loss) (net of tax (expense) benefit of $(227) in 2011 and $172 in 2010)
  519   (274)
Cash flow hedges:
        
Net derivatives loss on interest rate swap arising during the period (net of tax benefit of $276 in 2010)
  -   (441)
Reclassification of interest expense on interest rate swap (net of tax expense of $228 in 2010)
  -   364 
Reclassification of interest expense on treasury rate lock (net of tax benefit of $103 in 2011 and $48 in 2010)
  (164)  (77)
Net unrealized loss on treasury rate lock (net of tax benefit of $11,529 in 2011)
  (18,433)  - 
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax  (18,078)  (428)
Comprehensive income, net of tax $101,479  $123,156 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.        
 
1920

 
CLECO CORPORATION 
CLECO POWER       
2011 2ND3RD QUARTER FORM 10-Q
 
 
CLECO POWER

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive IncomeBalance Sheets (Unaudited)
  
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
 
(THOUSANDS) 
2011
  
2010
 
Net income $65,724  $71,249 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:        
Amortization of post-retirement benefit net income (loss) (net of tax (expense) benefit of $(128) in 2011 and $116 in 2010)
  373   (185)
Cash flow hedges:
        
Net derivatives loss on interest rate swap arising during the period (net of tax benefit of $131 in 2010)
  -   (210)
Reclassification of interest expense on interest rate swap (net of tax expense of $153 in 2010)
  -   246 
Reclassification of interest expense on treasury rate lock (net of tax benefit of $68 in 2011 and $32 in 2010)
  (109)  (51)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax  264   (200)
Comprehensive income, net of tax $65,988  $71,049 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.        
(THOUSANDS) AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2011  
AT DECEMBER 31, 2010
 
Assets      
Utility plant and equipment
      
Property, plant and equipment
 $3,604,938  $3,552,779 
Accumulated depreciation
  (1,142,414)  (1,085,945)
Net property, plant and equipment
  2,462,524   2,466,834 
Construction work in progress
  214,071   130,396 
Total utility plant, net
  2,676,595   2,597,230 
Current assets
        
Cash and cash equivalents
  143,015   184,912 
Restricted cash
  3,554   14,959 
Customer accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,177 in 2011 and $1,046 in 2010)
  52,299   38,820 
Accounts receivable - affiliate
  2,802   2,738 
Other accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,924 in 2011 and $2,349 in 2010)
  29,323   47,992 
Taxes receivable
  -   4,123 
Unbilled revenue
  33,112   44,649 
Fuel inventory, at average cost
  38,070   82,737 
Material and supplies inventory, at average cost
  49,634   45,913 
Accumulated deferred federal and state income taxes, net
  38,248   2,811 
Accumulated deferred fuel
  9,162   10,348 
Cash surrender value of company-owned life insurance policies
  20,328   20,051 
Prepayments
  3,782   4,944 
Regulatory assets - other
  12,869   13,508 
Other current assets
  597   412 
Total current assets
  436,795   518,917 
Equity investment in investee
  13,073   13,073 
Prepayments
  4,580   5,274 
Restricted cash, less current portion
  25,253   25,992 
Regulatory assets and liabilities - deferred taxes, net
  213,847   203,696 
Regulatory assets - other
  249,410   266,431 
Intangible asset
  136,393   145,374 
Other deferred charges
  18,439   19,218 
Total assets $3,774,385  $3,795,205 
Liabilities and member’s equity        
Member’s equity
 $1,235,402  $1,233,923 
Long-term debt, net
  1,370,576   1,384,709 
Total capitalization
  2,605,978   2,618,632 
Current liabilities        
Long-term debt due within one year
  13,108   12,269 
Accounts payable
  85,382   112,487 
Retainage
  3,231   2,726 
Accounts payable - affiliate
  7,332   7,945 
Customer deposits
  42,181   38,934 
Provision for rate refund
  3,917   9,598 
Taxes payable
  17,558   - 
Interest accrued
  31,825   13,450 
Energy risk management liability, net
  5,159   9,027 
Interest rate risk management liability
  29,962   - 
Regulatory liabilities - other
  33,272   43,562 
Uncertain tax positions
  2,602   - 
Other current liabilities
  12,080   9,862 
Total current liabilities
  287,609   259,860 
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 11)        
Deferred credits        
Accumulated deferred federal and state income taxes, net
  680,287   601,574 
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits
  7,741   8,669 
Post-retirement benefit obligations
  72,466   130,757 
Regulatory liabilities - other
  7,026   44,313 
Restricted storm reserve
  24,656   25,993 
Uncertain tax positions
  45,014   54,835 
Other deferred credits
  43,608   50,572 
Total deferred credits
  880,798   916,713 
Total liabilities and member’s equity $3,774,385  $3,795,205 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.        

2021

 
CLECO CORPORATION 
CLECO POWER       
2011 2ND3RD QUARTER FORM 10-Q
 
 
CLECO POWER

Condensed Consolidated Balance SheetsStatements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
(THOUSANDS) 
AT JUNE 30, 2011
  
AT DECEMBER 31, 2010
 
Assets      
Utility plant and equipment
      
Property, plant and equipment
 $3,582,201  $3,552,779 
Accumulated depreciation
  (1,122,387)  (1,085,945)
Net property, plant and equipment
  2,459,814   2,466,834 
Construction work in progress
  166,318   130,396 
Total utility plant, net
  2,626,132   2,597,230 
Current assets
        
Cash and cash equivalents
  149,841   184,912 
Restricted cash
  8,073   14,959 
Customer accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,000 in 2011 and $1,046 in 2010)
  46,007   38,820 
Accounts receivable - affiliate
  2,537   2,738 
Other accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,752 in 2011 and $2,349 in 2010)
  38,491   47,992 
Taxes receivable
  6,957   4,123 
Unbilled revenue
  40,757   44,649 
Fuel inventory, at average cost
  43,944   82,737 
Material and supplies inventory, at average cost
  50,046   45,913 
Accumulated deferred federal and state income taxes, net
  40,218   2,811 
Accumulated deferred fuel
  20,986   10,348 
Cash surrender value of company-owned life insurance policies
  20,139   20,051 
Prepayments
  3,899   4,944 
Regulatory assets - other
  12,973   13,508 
Other current assets
  199   412 
Total current assets
  485,067   518,917 
Equity investment in investee
  13,073   13,073 
Prepayments
  4,940   5,274 
Restricted cash, less current portion
  27,030   25,992 
Regulatory assets and liabilities - deferred taxes, net
  208,247   203,696 
Regulatory assets - other
  256,513   266,431 
Intangible asset
  139,648   145,374 
Other deferred charges
  18,751   19,218 
Total assets $3,779,401  $3,795,205 
Liabilities and member’s equity        
Member’s equity
 $1,249,910  $1,233,923 
Long-term debt, net
  1,377,346   1,384,709 
Total capitalization
  2,627,256   2,618,632 
Current liabilities        
Long-term debt due within one year
  12,683   12,269 
Accounts payable
  97,507   112,487 
Retainage
  3,967   2,726 
Accounts payable - affiliate
  7,923   7,945 
Customer deposits
  41,303   38,934 
Provision for rate refund
  14,854   9,598 
Interest accrued
  24,187   13,450 
Risk management liability, net
  5,743   9,027 
Regulatory liabilities - other
  38,828   43,562 
Uncertain tax positions
  33,479   - 
Other current liabilities
  12,032   9,862 
Total current liabilities
  292,506   259,860 
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 11)        
Deferred credits        
Accumulated deferred federal and state income taxes, net
  667,033   601,574 
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits
  8,051   8,669 
Post-retirement benefit obligations
  72,047   130,757 
Regulatory liabilities - other
  26,577   44,313 
Restricted storm reserve
  26,433   25,993 
Uncertain tax positions
  19,769   54,835 
Other deferred credits
  39,729   50,572 
Total deferred credits
  859,639   916,713 
Total liabilities and member’s equity $3,779,401  $3,795,205 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.        
  
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
 
(THOUSANDS) 
2011
  
2010
 
Operating activities      
Net income
 $119,557  $123,584 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
        
Depreciation and amortization
  95,482   88,607 
Unearned compensation expense
  1,768   1,303 
Allowance for other funds used during construction
  (3,757)  (11,052)
Net deferred income taxes
  35,174   20,628 
Deferred fuel costs
  (6,422)  13,994 
Cash surrender value of company-owned life insurance
  (277)  (236)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
        
Accounts receivable
  (20,442)  (31,579)
Accounts and notes receivable, affiliate
  68   (1,977)
Unbilled revenue
  11,538   (23,359)
Fuel, materials and supplies inventory
  40,946   (11,707)
Prepayments
  1,858   974 
Accounts payable
  (30,345)  (12,137)
Accounts and notes payable, affiliate
  (1,386)  (18,524)
Customer deposits
  9,718   9,490 
Post-retirement benefit obligations
  (58,259)  (1,020)
Regulatory assets and liabilities, net
  (40,204)  (77,331)
Other deferred accounts
  (6,361)  (4,021)
Retainage payable
  (2,481)  - 
Taxes accrued
  21,680   20,858 
Interest accrued
  11,075   9,297 
Energy risk management assets and liabilities, net
  3,880   6,340 
Other operating
  1,878   (2,444)
Net cash provided by operating activities
  184,688   99,688 
Investing activities        
Additions to property, plant and equipment
  (131,014)  (98,399)
Allowance for other funds used during construction
  3,757   11,052 
Equity investment in investee
  -   (200)
Transfer of cash from restricted accounts
  12,144   15,111 
Other investing
  2,257   (83)
Net cash used in investing activities
  (112,856)  (72,519)
Financing activities        
Retirement of long-term debt
  (12,269)  (11,533)
Distribution to parent
  (100,000)  (125,000)
Other financing
  (1,460)  (1,365)
Net cash used in financing activities
  (113,729)  (137,898)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents  (41,897)  (110,729)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period  184,912   138,113 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $143,015  $27,384 
Supplementary cash flow information        
Interest paid (net of amount capitalized)
 $52,220  $48,155 
Income taxes paid (refunded)
 $2,233  $(5,425)
Supplementary non-cash investing and financing activities        
Accrued additions to property, plant and equipment
 $20,088  $4,757 
Non-cash additions to property, plant and equipment
 $4,074  $304,134 
Non-cash assumption of deferred tax liability
 $-  $78,402 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.        

 
2122

 
CLECO CORPORATION 
CLECO POWER       
2011 2ND3RD QUARTER FORM 10-Q
 
CLECO POWER

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
  
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
 
(THOUSANDS) 
2011
  
2010
 
Operating activities      
Net income
 $65,724  $71,249 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
        
Depreciation and amortization
  62,768   57,626 
Unearned compensation expense
  1,108   616 
Allowance for other funds used during construction
  (2,854)  (10,165)
Net deferred income taxes
  20,577   7,589 
Deferred fuel costs
  (16,077)  8,897 
Cash surrender value of company-owned life insurance
  (88)  (126)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
        
Accounts receivable
  (20,779)  (20,812)
Accounts and notes receivable, affiliate
  333   252 
Unbilled revenue
  3,892   (34,944)
Fuel, materials and supplies inventory
  34,660   (713)
Prepayments
  1,379   713 
Accounts payable
  (6,703)  (21,494)
Accounts and notes payable, affiliate
  (569)  (18,728)
Customer deposits
  6,426   6,384 
Post-retirement benefit obligations
  (58,678)  (2,331)
Regulatory assets and liabilities, net
  (18,531)  (38,433)
Other deferred accounts
  (2,230)  1,916 
Retainage payable
  (430)  - 
Taxes accrued
  (2,834)  23,602 
Interest accrued
  (372)  1,155 
Risk management assets and liabilities, net
  1,990   4,870 
Other operating
  2,076   (2,191)
Net cash provided by operating activities
  70,788   34,932 
Investing activities        
Additions to property, plant and equipment
  (58,453)  (63,781)
Allowance for other funds used during construction
  2,854   10,165 
Transfer of cash from restricted accounts
  5,849   7,522 
Other investing
  1,160   (293)
Net cash used in investing activities
  (48,590)  (46,387)
Financing activities        
Retirement of long-term debt
  (6,283)  (5,947)
Distribution to parent
  (50,000)  (75,000)
Other financing
  (986)  (937)
Net cash used in financing activities
  (57,269)  (81,884)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents  (35,071)  (93,339)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period  184,912   138,113 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $149,841  $44,774 
Supplementary cash flow information        
Interest paid (net of amount capitalized)
 $42,473  $37,222 
Income taxes paid (refunded)
 $2,233  $(5,425)
Supplementary non-cash investing and financing activities        
Accrued additions to property, plant and equipment
 $20,281  $7,137 
Non-cash additions to property, plant and equipment
 $2,257  $304,134 
Non-cash assumption of deferred tax liability
 $-  $78,402 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.        

22

CLECO CORPORATION
CLECO POWER 
2011 2ND QUARTER FORM 10-Q
 
Index to Applicable Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of Registrants

Note 1Summary of Significant Accounting PoliciesCleco Corporation and Cleco Power
Note 2Recent Authoritative GuidanceCleco Corporation and Cleco Power
Note 3Regulatory Assets and LiabilitiesCleco Corporation and Cleco Power
Note 4Fair Value AccountingCleco Corporation and Cleco Power
Note 5DebtCleco Corporation and Cleco Power
Note 6Pension Plan and Employee BenefitsCleco Corporation and Cleco Power
Note 7Income TaxesCleco Corporation and Cleco Power
Note 8Disclosures about SegmentsCleco Corporation
Note 9Electric Customer CreditsCleco Corporation and Cleco Power
Note 10Variable Interest EntitiesCleco Corporation and Cleco Power
Note 11Litigation, Other Commitments and Contingencies, and Disclosures about GuaranteesCleco Corporation and Cleco Power
Note 12LPSC Fuel AuditCleco Corporation and Cleco Power
Note 13Affiliate TransactionsCleco Corporation and Cleco Power
Note 14Evangeline TransactionsCleco Corporation
Note 15Acadia TransactionsCleco Corporation and Cleco Power
Note 16Subsequent EventCleco Corporation

Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of Cleco include the accounts of Cleco and its majority owned subsidiaries after elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions.
Prior to April 30, 2011, Cleco reported its investment in Cajun on the equity method of accounting.  In conjunction with the disposition of Acadia Unit 2 to Entergy Louisiana, APH received 100% ownership in Acadia in exchange for its 50% ownership interest in Cajun, and Acadia became a consolidated subsidiary of APH.  Following the disposition, Acadia’s assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and cash flows are presented on the corresponding line items of Cleco’s condensed consolidated financial statements,Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, prospectively.  For additional information on the Acadia Unit 2 transaction, see Note 15 — “Acadia Transactions — Acadia Unit 2.”
Cleco and Cleco Power report the investment in Oxbow on the equity method of accounting.  Under the equity method, the assets and liabilities of this entity are reported as equity investment in investees on Cleco and Cleco Power’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The revenue and expenses of this entity are netted and reported as equity income or loss from investees on Cleco and Cleco Power’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.  For additional information on the operations of these entities, see Note 10 — “Variable Interest Entities.”
 
Basis of Presentation
The condensed consolidated financial statements of Cleco Corporation and 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 GAAP have been condensed or omitted; however, 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 GAAP.  The unaudited financial information included in the condensed consolidated 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 additional information on recent authoritative guidance and its effect on financial results, see Note 2 — “Recent Authoritative Guidance.”
 
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment consist primarily of regulated utility generation and energy transmission assets.  Regulated assets, utilized primarily for retail operations and electric transmission and distribution, are stated at the cost of construction, which includes certain materials, labor, payroll taxes and benefits, administrative and general costs, and the estimated cost of funds used during construction.  Jointly owned assets are reflected in property, plant and equipment at Cleco Power’s share of the cost to construct or purchase the assets.  Property, plant and equipment consist of:
 
23

 
CLECO CORPORATION 
CLECO POWER       
2011 2ND3RD QUARTER FORM 10-Q
 
 
Property, plant and equipment consist of:

(THOUSANDS) 
AT JUNE 30, 2011
  
AT DECEMBER 31, 2010
  AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2011  
AT DECEMBER 31, 2010
 
Regulated utility plants $3,582,201  $3,552,054  $3,604,938  $3,552,054 
Other  257,010   258,842   254,683   258,842 
Total property, plant and equipment
  3,839,211   3,810,896   3,859,621   3,810,896 
Accumulated depreciation
  (1,198,373)  (1,162,456)  (1,218,818)  (1,162,456)
Net property, plant and equipment
 $2,640,838  $2,648,440  $2,640,803  $2,648,440 
 
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 its intended purposes and/or general corporate purposes.  At June 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, $35.2 million and $41.0 million of cash, respectively, were restricted.  At June 30, 2011,Cleco’s restricted cash consisted of $0.1 million underof:  

(THOUSANDS) AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2011  
AT DECEMBER 31, 2010
 
Diversified Lands’ mitigation escrow $97  $97 
Cleco Power’s future storm restoration costs  24,652   25,992 
Cleco Power’s renewable energy grant  600   - 
Cleco Katrina/Rita’s storm recovery bonds  3,554   8,822 
Cleco Power’s GO Zone bonds  -   6,137 
Total restricted cash $28,903  $41,048 
Cleco Katrina/Rita has the Diversified Lands mitigation escrow agreement, $26.4 million reserved at Cleco Power for futureright to bill and collect storm restoration costs $8.1 million atfrom Cleco Katrina/RitaPower’s customers.  As cash is collected, it is restricted for payment of operating expenses, interest, and principal on storm recovery bondsbonds.  During 2011, Cleco Katrina/Rita has collected $14.5 million net of operating expenses.  In March and $0.6September 2011, Cleco Katrina/Rita used $6.3 million reserved atand $6.0 million, respectively for scheduled storm recovery bond principal payments and $3.8 million and $3.7 million, respectively for related interest.  In 2011, Cleco Power forreceived a renewable energy grant received from the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources.  The $5.8 million net decrease in restricted cash from December 31, 2010, to June 30, 2011, is primarily due to the use of Cleco Katrina/Rita funds for a scheduled storm recovery bond payment of $6.3 million and related interest of $3.8 million made in March 2011 and the use of $6.1 million of GO Zone bond funds during the six months ended June 30, 2011.  These decreases were partially offset by $9.4 million of collections for Cleco Katrina/Rita funds, $0.6 million of a renewable energy grant received, and $0.4 million in collections of storm recovery costs.  
 
Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures
Various accounting pronouncements require certain assets and liabilities to be measured at their fair values.  Some assets and liabilities are required to be measured at their fair value each reporting period, while others are required to be measured only one time, generally the date of acquisition or debt issuance.  Cleco and Cleco Power are required to disclose the fair value of certain assets and liabilities by one of three levels when required for recognition purposes under GAAP.  Other financial assets and liabilities, such as long-term debt, are reported at their carrying values at their date of issuance on the condensed consolidated balance sheets with their fair values disclosed without regard to the three levels.  For additional information about fair value levels, see Note 4 — “Fair Value Accounting.”
 
Risk Management
Market risk inherent in Cleco Power’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 on different energy exchanges.  
Commodity Market Price Risk
Cleco’s Energy Market Risk Management Policy authorizes the use of various derivative instruments, including exchange traded 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 applies the authoritative guidance as it relates to derivatives and hedging 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 because Cleco Power takes physical delivery and the instruments and positions are used to satisfy customer requirements.  Cleco Power entered into certain financial transactions it considered economic hedges to mitigate the risk associated with a contract for fixed-price power provided to a wholesale customer through December 2010.  These transactions were marked-to-market with the resulting gain or loss recorded on the income statement as a component of operating revenue.  The contract expired on December 31, 2010 along with the economic hedges; therefore, no gain or loss related to the economic hedges was recorded during the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2011.  For the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010, Cleco Power had realized losses of $0.3 million and $0.5$0.8 million and mark-to-market gains of $0.4$0.2 million and less than $0.1 million, respectively,for both periods recorded in other operations revenue.  
Cleco Power has entered into other positions to mitigate the volatility in customer fuel costs.  These positions are marked-to-market with the resulting gain or loss recorded on the balance sheet as a component of energy risk management assets or liabilities.  Such gain or loss is deferred as a component of deferred fuel 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 JuneSeptember 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, the net mark-to-market impact relating to these positions were losses of $7.7$5.7 million and $15.1 million, respectively.  Deferred losses relating to closed natural gas positions totaled $2.1$1.3 million and $1.6 million at JuneSeptember 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, 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 volatility in customer fuel costs noted above.  At JuneSeptember 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, Cleco Power had deposited net collateral of $1.8$0.5 million and $4.3 million, respectively, to cover requirements relating to open natural gas futures, options, and swap positions.  The current and long-term portions of collateral are reported as a component of energy risk management assets or liabilities and other deferred credits, respectively.
Cleco and Cleco Power maintain a master netting agreement policy and monitor credit risk exposure through review of counterparty credit quality, counterparty credit exposure, and
24

CLECO CORPORATION
CLECO POWER 
2011 3RD QUARTER FORM 10-Q
counterparty concentration levels.  Cleco 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
24

CLECO CORPORATION
CLECO POWER 
2011 2ND QUARTER FORM 10-Q
payments to mitigate credit risk for transactions entered into for risk management purposes.  
Interest Rate Risk
In August 2009,2011, Cleco Power entered into a $50.0 million bank loan with variable interest, paid monthly, calculated at 3.00% plus the one-month LIBOR.  The loan was set to mature on August 19, 2012.  Intreasury rate lock contract in order to mitigate the risk of future floating interest rates, Cleco Power entered into an interest rate swap in the third quarter of 2009.  Basedexposure on thecoupon payments related to a forecasted debt issuance.  The notional amount of the bank loan,treasury rate lock is $150.0 million, with a pricing date of November 14, 2011 or the swap required a monthly net settlement between Cleco Power’s fixed paymentdate of 1.84% and the swap counterparty’s floating paymentissuance of the one-month LIBOR.debt, whichever is earlier.  The swap was set to mature on May 31, 2012.  Under the authoritative guidance for derivatives and hedging, the swap mettreasury rate lock meets the criteria of a cash flow hedge.  Changeshedge under the authoritative guidance as it relates to derivatives and hedging.  The 3.77% rate lock was based on the 30-year treasury note yield as of August 12, 2011.  At September 30, 2011, the 30-year treasury note yield was 2.89%, which resulted in the swap’s fair value related to the effective portion of cash flow hedges were recognizedCleco Power recognizing a $30.0 million unrealized mark-to-market loss in other comprehensive income whereas changes in the fair value related to the ineffective portion were recognized in earnings.  As settlements were made, the swap’s other comprehensive income fair values were reclassified into earnings as a component of interest expense.  In November 2010, Cleco Power terminated the interest rate swap and repaid in full the associated $50.0 million bank loan.  At the time of the termination, the remaining $1.1 million of losses in accumulated other comprehensive income were reclassified to other expense.  Forfor the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010, there were $0.2 million2011.  The offsetting liability was recorded on Cleco Corporation and $0.4 million, respectively, of reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive loss toCleco Power’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as an interest expense as a result of monthly settlements.rate risk management liability.  There was no impact to earnings due to ineffectiveness for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010.  2011.  Management determined that the forecasted debt issuance is probable of occurring before or on November 14, 2011, and in an amount at least equal to the treasury rate lock contract’s notional amount.  When the forecasted debt issuance occurs and the treasury rate lock contract is settled, the effective portion of the settlement will be recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income and any ineffective portion will be reclassified into the income statement.  
For additional information on accounting for derivatives, see Note 4 — “Fair Value Accounting.”
 
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2010 financial statements to conform them to the presentation used in the 2011 financial statements.  These reclassifications had no effect on Cleco Corporation’s net income applicable to common stock or total common shareholder’s equity or Cleco Power’s net income or total member’s equity.
The Registrants determined that an error existed in the statement of cash flow methodology for determining non-cash transactions related to property, plant and equipment, specifically the dollar amount of property, plant and equipment acquisitions included in accounts payable for each period.payable.  This caused errors between the operating activities section and investing activities section for prior periods, including 2008, 2009, and 2010.
Cleco and Cleco Power’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the period ended September 30, 2010, have been adjusted for each of the reporting periods shown below to correct the presentation of cash flows related to accruals for property, plant and equipment.  These corrections had no impact on the Registrants’ financial condition or results of operations.  Management believes that these corrections did not have a material effect on the Registrants’ Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows orFlows. The corrections to the September 30, 2010 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the reporting periods. The corrections to the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the reporting periods are presented in the following tables.table.

  
CLECO
  
CLECO POWER
 
  
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED
  
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED
 
  
SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
  
SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
 
(THOUSANDS) 
AS REPORTED
  
AS ADJUSTED
  
AS REPORTED
  
AS ADJUSTED
 
Accounts receivable $(49,329) $(30,329) $(50,579) $(31,579)
Accounts payable $(17,248) $(13,277) $(16,621) $(12,137)
Retainage payable $745  $-  $745  $- 
Net cash provided by operating activities $170,141  $192,368  $76,949  $99,688 
Additions to property, plant and equipment $(230,485) $(252,711) $(75,660) $(98,399)
Net cash used in investing activities $(212,592) $(234,819) $(49,780) $(72,519)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents $(77,357) $(77,357) $(110,729) $(110,729)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period $145,193  $145,193  $138,113  $138,113 
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period $67,836  $67,836  $27,384  $27,384 
Accrued additions to property, plant and equipment $17,506  $5,314  $17,506  $4,757 
Cleco
  
FOR THE YEAR ENDED
 
     
2008
     
2009
     
2010
 
(THOUSANDS) 
AS REPORTED
  
AS ADJUSTED
  
AS REPORTED
  
AS ADJUSTED
  
AS REPORTED
  
AS ADJUSTED
 
Accounts receivable $(5,557) $(5,557) $8,310  $8,310  $(35,156) $(16,156)
Accounts payable $2,806  $(6,334) $11,231  $18,593  $3,459  $8,167 
Retainage payable $12,709  $(60) $(11,921) $(13,011) $1,913  $(27)
Net cash provided by operating activities $89,526  $67,618  $135,179  $141,452  $193,405  $215,173 
Additions to property, plant and equipment $(335,757) $(313,848) $(250,286) $(256,558) $(283,389) $(305,157)
Net cash used in investing activities $(368,725) $(346,817) $(177,176) $(183,449) $(285,137) $(306,905)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents $(31,530) $(31,530) $47,710  $47,710  $45,935  $45,935 
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period $129,013  $129,013  $97,483  $97,483  $145,193  $145,193 
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period $97,483  $97,483  $145,193  $145,193  $191,128  $191,128 
Accrued additions to property, plant and equipment $16,935  $36,074  $3,069  $11,396  $17,765  $6,032 

  
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
  
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED
  
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED
  
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
 
     
MARCH 31, 2010
     
JUNE 30, 2010
  
SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
     
MARCH 31, 2011
 
(THOUSANDS) 
AS REPORTED*
  
AS ADJUSTED
  
AS REPORTED
  
AS ADJUSTED
  
AS REPORTED
  
AS ADJUSTED
  
AS REPORTED
  
AS ADJUSTED
 
Accounts receivable $(17,889) $(17,889) $(19,498) $(19,498) $(49,329) $(30,329) $5,042  $(13,958)
Accounts payable $(50,499) $(53,362) $(31,420) $(25,684) $(17,248) $(13,277) $(31,823) $(35,617)
Retainage payable $(862) $-  $195  $-  $745  $-  $1,004  $(13)
Net cash provided by operating activities $60,792  $58,791  $102,437  $107,978  $170,141  $192,368  $26,111  $2,302 
Additions to property, plant and equipment $(183,561) $(181,560) $(212,119) $(217,660) $(230,485) $(252,711) $(45,692) $(21,883)
Net cash used in investing activities $(149,609) $(147,608) $(191,363) $(196,904) $(212,592) $(234,819) $(43,346) $(19,537)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents $(52,971) $(52,971) $(93,038) $(93,038) $(77,357) $(77,357) $(53,937) $(53,937)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period $145,193  $145,193  $145,193  $145,193  $145,193  $145,193  $191,128  $191,128 
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period $92,222  $92,222  $52,155  $52,155  $67,836  $67,836  $137,191  $137,191 
Accrued additions to property, plant and equipment $4,039  $10,268  $2,738  $7,232  $17,506  $5,314  $17,155  $23,245 
*These amounts were previously revised in the Registrants’ Combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2011. 
 
25

 
CLECO CORPORATION 
CLECO POWER       
2011 2ND3RD QUARTER FORM 10-Q
 

 
Cleco Power
  
FOR THE YEAR ENDED
 
     
2008
     
2009
     
2010
 
(THOUSANDS) 
AS REPORTED
  
AS ADJUSTED
  
AS REPORTED
  
AS ADJUSTED
  
AS REPORTED
  
AS ADJUSTED
 
Accounts receivable $(5,972) $(5,972) $9,646  $9,646  $(35,261) $(16,261)
Accounts payable $942  $(8,197) $10,831  $18,254  $3,936  $8,934 
Retainage payable $12,709  $(60) $(11,921) $(13,011) $1,913  $(27)
Net cash provided by operating activities $62,078  $40,170  $141,726  $148,059  $148,701  $170,759 
Additions to property, plant and equipment $(334,652) $(312,744) $(249,252) $(255,585) $(127,153) $(149,211)
Net cash used in investing activities $(353,248) $(331,340) $(141,998) $(148,331) $(112,614) $(134,672)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents $79,598  $79,598  $46,571  $46,571  $46,799  $46,799 
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period $11,944  $11,944  $91,542  $91,542  $138,113  $138,113 
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period $91,542  $91,542  $138,113  $138,113  $184,912  $184,912 
Accrued additions to property, plant and equipment $16,935  $36,074  $3,069  $11,335  $17,765  $5,697 

  
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
  
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED
  
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED
  
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
 
     
MARCH 31, 2010
     
JUNE 30, 2010
  
SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
     
MARCH 31, 2011
 
(THOUSANDS) 
AS REPORTED*
  
AS ADJUSTED
  
AS REPORTED
  
AS ADJUSTED
  
AS REPORTED
  
AS ADJUSTED
  
AS REPORTED
  
AS ADJUSTED
 
Accounts receivable $(20,597) $(20,597) $(20,812) $(20,812) $(50,579) $(31,579) $8,280  $(10,720)
Accounts payable $(43,863) $(46,245) $(27,280) $(21,494) $(16,621) $(12,137) $(31,202) $(34,966)
Retainage payable $(862) $-  $195  $-  $745  $-  $1,004  $(13)
Net cash provided by operating activities $(12,130) $(13,650) $29,341  $34,932  $76,949  $99,688  $29,081  $5,299 
Additions to property, plant and equipment $(30,257) $(28,737) $(58,190) $(63,781) $(75,660) $(98,399) $(44,501) $(20,720)
Net cash used in investing activities $(12,126) $(10,606) $(40,796) $(46,387) $(49,780) $(72,519) $(32,737) $(8,955)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents $(55,625) $(55,625) $(93,339) $(93,339) $(110,729) $(110,729) $(60,472) $(60,472)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period $138,113  $138,113  $138,113  $138,113  $138,113  $138,113  $184,912  $184,912 
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period $82,488  $82,488  $44,774  $44,774  $27,384  $27,384  $124,440  $124,440 
Accrued additions to property, plant and equipment $4,039  $9,742  $2,738  $7,137  $17,506  $4,757  $17,233  $23,246 
*These amounts were previously revised in the Registrants’ Combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2011. 

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,
           
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
 
       
2011
        
2010
        
2011
        
2010
 
(THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARES AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS) 
INCOME
  
SHARES
  
PER SHARE
AMOUNT
  
INCOME
  
SHARES
  
PER SHARE
AMOUNT
  
INCOME
  
SHARES
  
PER SHARE
AMOUNT
  
INCOME
  
SHARES
  
PER SHARE
AMOUNT
 
Income from continuing operations $70,348        $35,186        $65,842        $49,612       
Deduct: non-participating stock dividends (4.5% preferred stock)  15         12         -         12       
Deduct: non-participating stock redemption costs (4.5% preferred stock)  112         -       
Basic net income applicable to common stock $70,221   60,655,538  $1.16  $35,174   60,431,930  $0.58  $65,842   60,467,595  $1.09  $49,600   60,471,183  $0.82 
Effect of dilutive securities                                                
Add: stock option grants      21,634           28,742           20,441           26,680     
Add: restricted stock (LTICP)      346,267           244,597           385,275           327,435     
Diluted net income applicable to common stock $70,221   61,023,439  $1.15  $35,174   60,705,269  $0.58  $65,842   60,873,311  $1.08  $49,600   60,825,298  $0.82 

          
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
           
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
 
       
2011
        
2010
        
2011
        
2010
 
(THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARES AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS) 
INCOME
  
SHARES
  
PER SHARE
AMOUNT
  
INCOME
  
SHARES
  
PER SHARE
AMOUNT
  
INCOME
  
SHARES
  
PER SHARE
AMOUNT
  
INCOME
  
SHARES
  
PER SHARE
AMOUNT
 
Income from continuing operations $99,363        $185,155        $165,205        $234,768       
Deduct: non-participating stock dividends (4.5% preferred stock)  26         23         26         35       
Deduct: non-participating stock redemption costs (4.5% preferred stock)  112         -         112         -       
Basic net income applicable to common stock $99,225   60,613,371  $1.64  $185,132   60,374,233  $3.07  $165,067   60,549,860  $2.73  $234,733   60,405,388  $3.89 
Effect of dilutive securities                                                
Add: stock option grants      21,067           29,713           20,965           29,771     
Add: restricted stock (LTICP)      163,107           115,120           259,426           196,979     
Diluted net income applicable to common stock $99,225   60,797,545  $1.63  $185,132   60,519,066  $3.06  $165,067   60,830,251  $2.71  $234,733   60,632,138  $3.87 
 
Stock option grants are excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share if the exercise price is higher than the average market price.  There were no stock option grants excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2011 and 2010, due to the average market price being higher than the exercise prices of the stock options.  
26

CLECO CORPORATION
CLECO POWER 
2011 2ND QUARTER FORM 10-Q

Preferred Stock Redemption
On June 24, 2011, Cleco Corporation redeemed all 10,288 outstanding shares of its 4.5% preferred stock.  The redemption price was $101 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends to the redemption date, or $101.296 per share.  As of the redemption date, no shares of 4.5% preferred stock were outstanding.  Holders are no longer entitled to dividends and all rights of such holders as shareholders of Cleco Corporation by reason of their ownership of such 4.5% preferred stock have ceased.

Stock-Based Compensation
At JuneSeptember 30, 2011, Cleco had two stock-based compensation plans:  the ESPP and the LTICP.  Substantially all employees, excluding officers and general managers, may choose to participate in the ESPP and purchase a limited amount of common stock at a discount through a stock option agreement.  Options or restricted shares of stock, known as non-vested stock as defined by the authoritative guidance on stock-based compensation, 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 28, 2011, Cleco granted 145,002 shares of non-vested stock to certain officers, key employees, and directors of Cleco Corporation and its subsidiaries pursuant to the LTICP.  On July 5, 2011, Cleco granted an additional 40,000 shares of non-vested stock to certain officers of Cleco Corporation and its subsidiaries pursuant to the LTICP.
Cleco and Cleco Power reported pre-tax compensation expense for their share-based compensation plans as shown in the following table:


CLECO CORPORATION
  
CLECO POWER
  
CLECO CORPORATION
  
CLECO POWER
 
CLECO CORPORATION
  
CLECO POWER
  
CLECO CORPORATION
  
CLECO POWER
 
   
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
     
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
    FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,     FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 
(THOUSANDS)
2011
  
2010
  
2011
  
2010
  
2011
  
2010
  
2011
  
2010
 
2011
  
2010
  
2011
  
2010
  
2011
  
2010
  
2011
  
2010
 
Equity classification                                              
Non-vested stock
$796  $468  $201  $98  $1,947  $1,130  $522  $268 $1,095  $573  $225  $150  $3,042  $1,703  $748  $418 
Stock options
 23   13   -   -   36   25   -   -  69   13   -   -   105   38   -   - 
Total equity classification$819  $481  $201  $98  $1,983  $1,155  $522  $268 $1,164  $586  $225  $150  $3,147  $1,741  $748  $418 
Liability classification                                                              
Common stock equivalent units
$364  $481  $154  $174  $1,559  $630  $586  $348 $1,024  $1,237  $435  $537  $2,583  $1,867  $1,020  $885 
Total pre-tax compensation expense$1,183  $962  $355  $272  $3,542  $1,785  $1,108  $616 $2,188  $1,823  $660  $687  $5,730  $3,608  $1,768  $1,303 
Tax benefit (excluding income tax gross-up)$455  $370  $137  $105  $1,363  $687  $426  $237 $842  $702  $254  $264  $2,205  $1,388  $680  $501 

 
26

CLECO CORPORATION
CLECO POWER 
2011 3RD QUARTER FORM 10-Q
Note 2 — Recent Authoritative Guidance

The Registrants adopted, or will adopt, the recent authoritative guidance listed below on their respective effective dates.
In May 2010, FASB amended the authoritative guidance pertaining to compensation in order to clarify the issuance of stock options in currencies other than the ones in which employees are normally paid.  This amendment was effective for reporting periods that began on or after December 15, 2010.  The adoption of this amendment did not have an impact on the financial condition or results of operations of the Registrants.
In July 2010, FASB amended the authoritative guidance on receivables, which required companies to improve their disclosures about the credit quality of their financing receivables and the credit reserves held against them.  For public companies, the amendment was effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending on or after December 15, 2010, with specific items, such as allowance rollforward and modification disclosures, effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2010.  The adoption of this amendment did not have any effect on the financial condition or results of operations of the Registrants.
In December 2010, FASB amended the authoritative guidance on business combinations to expand supplemental pro forma disclosures and to require comparative prior period financial statement disclosures as if the combination occurred as of the beginning of the prior annual period.  The amendment was effective prospectively for business combination acquisition dates on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2010.  The adoption of this amendment did not have any effect on the financial condition or results of operations of the Registrants.
In April 2011, FASB issued additional guidance to creditors for evaluating whether a modification or restructuring of a receivable is a troubled debt restructuring.  The implementation of this guidance iswas effective in the first interim or annual period beginning on or after June 15, 2011.  The adoption of this guidance willdid not have a material impact on the financial condition or results of operations of the Registrants.
In April 2011, FASB issued guidance to improve the accounting for repurchase agreements and other similar agreements.  Specifically, this guidance modifies the criteria for determining when these transactions would be accounted for as financings as opposed to sales or purchases with commitments to repurchase or resale.  The adoption of this guidance is effective in the first interim or annual period beginning on or after December 15, 2011.  The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the financial condition or results of operations of the Registrants.
In May 2011, FASB issued guidance on fair value measurements.  This guidance results in a consistent definition of fair value and common requirements for measurement of and disclosure about fair value between GAAP and IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards).  The adoption of this guidance is effective prospectively for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011.  Management is currently evaluatingThe adoption of this guidance and its potentialis not expected to have a material impact on the financial condition or results of operations of the Registrants.
In June 2011, FASB issued guidance on the presentation of comprehensive income. This guidance eliminates the current option to report other comprehensive income and its
27

CLECO CORPORATION
CLECO POWER 
2011 2ND QUARTER FORM 10-Q
components in the statement of changes in equity.  The adoption of this guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011.  The adoption of this guidance will not have any impact on the financial condition or results of operations of the Registrants.
In September 2011, FASB revised the testing of goodwill for impairment.  The revision provides entities the option to first use qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative two-step test.  The adoption of this guidance is effective for interim and annual goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, with some provisions for early adoption.  The adoption of this guidance will not have any impact on the financial condition or results of operations of the Registrants.
 
Note 3 — Regulatory Assets and Liabilities

Cleco Power follows the authoritative guidance on regulated operations, 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 JuneSeptember 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010:

 
AT JUNE 30,
  
AT DECEMBER 31,
  AT SEPTEMBER 30,  
AT DECEMBER 31,
 
(THOUSANDS) 
2011
  
2010
  
2011
  
2010
 
Regulatory assets and liabilities – deferred taxes, net $208,247  $203,696 
Regulatory assets – deferred taxes, net $213,847  $203,696 
Deferred mining costs $20,392  $21,666  $19,755  $21,666 
Deferred interest costs  6,850   7,033   6,758   7,033 
Deferred asset removal costs  799   768   814   768 
Deferred postretirement plan costs  114,909   117,651   113,538   117,651 
Deferred tree trimming costs  9,729   11,086   9,057   11,086 
Deferred training costs  7,564   7,642   7,525   7,642 
Deferred storm surcredits, net  11,138   10,633   9,080   10,633 
Deferred construction carrying costs  14,202   18,830   12,416   18,830 
Lignite mining agreement contingency  3,781   3,781   3,781   3,781 
AFUDC equity gross-up  74,753   74,859   74,496   74,859 
Deferred rate case costs  1,385   1,654   1,252   1,654 
Deferred Acadia Unit 1 acquisition costs  3,024   3,076   2,997   3,076 
Deferred IRP/RFP costs  742   977   625   977 
Deferred AMI pilot costs  218   283   185   283 
Total regulatory assets – other
 $269,486  $279,939  $262,279  $279,939 
Deferred construction carrying costs  (65,405)  (87,875)  (40,298)  (87,875)
Deferred fuel and purchased power  20,986   10,348   9,162   10,348 
Total regulatory assets and liabilities, net
 $433,314  $406,108 
Total regulatory assets, net
 $444,990  $406,108 
 
Deferred Construction Carrying Costs
In February 2006, the LPSC approved Cleco Power’s plans to build Madison Unit 3.  Terms of the approval included authorization for Cleco Power to 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 was not to exceed 6.5% of Cleco Power’s projected retail revenues.  Cleco Power began
27

CLECO CORPORATION
CLECO POWER 
2011 3RD QUARTER FORM 10-Q
collection of the carrying costs and established a regulatory liability in May 2006.  In October 2009, the LPSC voted unanimously to approve Cleco Power’s retail rate plan.  The retail rate plan established that Cleco Power return $183.2 million of carrying costs to customers over a five-year period and record a regulatory asset for all carrying costs incurred by Cleco Power above the actual amount collected from customers.  On February 12, 2010, Madison Unit 3 commenced commercial operation and the new rates became effective.  At that time, Cleco Power began returning the construction carrying costs to customers and amortizing the regulatory asset over a five-year period.  In March 2010, the LPSC issued an order changing the period of return from five years to four years and established that Cleco Power return approximately $167.0$166.4 million over the four-year period.  At JuneSeptember 30, 2011, the regulatory liability and the related regulatory asset were $65.4$40.3 million and $14.2$12.4 million, respectively.  As of JuneSeptember 30, 2011, Cleco Power had returned $101.2$126.1 million to customers.  At JuneSeptember 30, 2011, $38.8$33.3 million was due to be returned to customers within one year.
 
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 months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2011, approximately 95%94% of Cleco Power’s total fuel cost was regulated by the LPSC, while the remainder was regulated by FERC.  
The $10.6$1.2 million increasedecrease in the under-recovered costs was primarily due to the deferral of $17.6 million in additional fuel and purchased power costs and a $0.5 million increase in deferred losses related to closed natural gas positions.  Partially offsetting these increases was a $7.4$9.5 million decrease in mark-to-market losses on natural gas positions, which was primarily due to the contractual expiration of certain positions.  Partially offsetting this decrease was $8.5 million in additional deferred fuel and purchased power costs.
 
Note 4 — Fair Value Accounting

The amounts reflected in Cleco Corporation and Cleco Power’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at JuneSeptember 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, other accounts receivable, accounts payable, and short-term debt approximate fair value because of their short-term nature.  Estimates of the fair value of Cleco and Cleco Power’s long-term debt and Cleco’s nonconvertible preferred stock are based upon the quoted market price for the same or similar issues or by a discounted present value analysis of future cash flows using current rates obtained by Cleco and Cleco Power for debt and by Cleco for preferred stock with similar maturities.  In June 2011, Cleco Corporation redeemed all of its outstanding preferred stock.  For more information on the preferred stock redemption, see Note 1 — “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Preferred Stock Redemption.”  The following charts summarize the carrying value and estimated market value of Cleco and Cleco Power’s financial instruments subject to fair value accounting.
28

CLECO CORPORATION
CLECO POWER 
2011 2ND QUARTER FORM 10-Q

Cleco
 
AT JUNE 30, 2011
  
AT DECEMBER 31, 2010
  
AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2011
  
AT DECEMBER 31, 2010
 
(THOUSANDS) 
CARRYING
VALUE
  
ESTIMATED
FAIR VALUE
  
CARRYING
VALUE
  
ESTIMATED
FAIR VALUE
  
CARRYING
VALUE
  
ESTIMATED
FAIR VALUE
  
CARRYING
VALUE
  
ESTIMATED
FAIR VALUE
 
Financial instruments not marked-to-market                        
Cash and cash equivalents
 $162,126  $162,126  $191,128  $191,128  $158,232  $158,232  $191,128  $191,128 
Restricted cash
 $35,199  $35,199  $41,048  $41,048  $28,903  $28,903  $41,048  $41,048 
Long-term debt, excluding debt issuance costs
 $1,392,553  $1,496,438  $1,403,836  $1,462,063  $1,376,567  $1,566,805  $1,403,836  $1,462,063 
Preferred stock not subject to mandatory redemption
 $-  $-  $1,029  $844  $-  $-  $1,029  $844 

Cleco Power
 
AT JUNE 30, 2011
  
AT DECEMBER 31, 2010
  
AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2011
  
AT DECEMBER 31, 2010
 
(THOUSANDS) 
CARRYING
VALUE
  
ESTIMATED
FAIR VALUE
  
CARRYING
VALUE
  
ESTIMATED
FAIR VALUE
  
CARRYING
VALUE
  
ESTIMATED
FAIR VALUE
  
CARRYING
VALUE
  
ESTIMATED
FAIR VALUE
 
Financial instruments not marked-to-market                        
Cash and cash equivalents
 $149,841  $149,841  $184,912  $184,912  $143,015  $143,015  $184,912  $184,912 
Restricted cash
 $35,103  $35,103  $40,951  $40,951  $28,807  $28,807  $40,951  $40,951 
Long-term debt, excluding debt issuance costs
 $1,382,553  $1,486,438  $1,388,836  $1,447,063  $1,376,567  $1,566,805  $1,388,836  $1,447,063 
 
At JuneSeptember 30, 2011, Cleco and Cleco Power were exposed to concentrations of credit risk through their short-term investments classified as cash equivalents and restricted cash.  Cleco had $192.6$182.6 million ($157.4153.7 million of cash and $35.2$28.9 million of restricted cash) in short-term investments in institutional money market funds.  If the money market funds failed to perform under the terms of the investment, Cleco would be exposed to a loss of the invested amounts.  Cleco Power had $180.8$168.3 million ($145.7139.5 million of cash and $35.1$28.8 million of restricted cash) in short-term investments in institutional money market funds.  If the money market funds failed to perform under the terms of the investments, Cleco Power would be exposed to a loss of the invested amounts.  Collateral on these types of investments is not required by either Cleco or Cleco Power.  In order to mitigate potential credit risk, Cleco and Cleco Power have established guidelines for short-term investments.  Money market funds must have at least $1.0 billion in assets under management; must have been in existence for not less than two years; must have portfolios not comprised of more than 50% of securities issued by foreign entities; and must be rated in the top two ratings categories by at least one nationally recognized rating agency.  Commercial
28

CLECO CORPORATION
CLECO POWER 
2011 3RD QUARTER FORM 10-Q
paper must be issued by a company with headquarters in the U.S. and rated not less than A1 by Standard & Poor’s or P1 by Moody’s.  For split-rated issuers, the second rating must not be lower than either A2 or P2; the issuer’s long-term debt must be rated not lower than A by Standard & Poor’s or A2 by Moody’s; and the issuer cannot be on negative credit watch.  Investments in commercial paper rated A2 by Standard & Poor’s or P2 by Moody’s may be made if approved by the appropriate level of management.  

InterestTreasury Rate SwapLock
In August 2009,2011, Cleco Power entered into a $50.0 million bank loan with variable interest, paid monthly, and calculated at 3.00% plus the one-month LIBOR.  Intreasury rate lock contract in order to mitigate the risk of future floating interest rates, Cleco Power entered into an interest rate swap in the third quarter of 2009.  Basedexposure on thecoupon payments related to a forecasted debt issuance.  The notional amount of the bank loan,treasury rate lock is $150.0 million, with a pricing date of November 14, 2011, or the swap required a monthly net settlement between Cleco Power’s fixed paymentdate of 1.84% and the swap counterparty’s floating paymentissuance of the one-month LIBOR.  Both the bank loan and the swap were effective the same day and required monthly payments on the same day near the end of the month.  From the inception of the loan to the termination of the loan, Cleco Power recognized net interest expense equal to an annualdebt, whichever is earlier.  The treasury rate of 4.84% on the bank loan.  Since both the bank loan and the swap required payments on the same day near the end of the month, the cash payments were materially close to the interest expense recognized.  
The swap metlock meets the criteria of a cash flow hedge under the authoritative guidance as it relatedrelates to derivatives and hedging.  ChangesThe 3.77% rate lock was based on the 30-year treasury note yield as of August 12, 2011.  The fair market value of the treasury rate lock is based on the difference in the swap’s fairlock rate and the reference rate at the end of the period multiplied by the dollar value related toof a basis point.  At September 30, 2011, the effective portion were recognized30-year treasury note yield was 2.89%, which resulted in Cleco Power recognizing a $30.0 million unrealized mark-to-market loss in other comprehensive income.  As settlements were made, the swap’s other comprehensive income fair values were reclassified into earnings as a component of interest expense.  In November 2010, Cleco Power terminated the interest rate swap and repaid in full the associated $50.0 million bank loan and all remaining losses in accumulated other comprehensive loss were reclassified to other expense.  Forfor the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010, there were $0.2 million2011.  The offsetting liability was recorded on Cleco Corporation and $0.4 million, respectively, of reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive loss toCleco Power’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as an interest expense as a result of monthly settlements.rate risk management liability.  There was no impact to earnings due to ineffectiveness for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010.    2011.
 
Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures
The authoritative guidance on fair value measurements requires entities to classify assets and liabilities measured at their fair value according to three different levels depending on the inputs used in determining fair value.
The tables below disclose for Cleco and Cleco Power the fair value of financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis and within the scope of the authoritative guidance for fair value measurements and disclosures.
29

CLECO CORPORATION
CLECO POWER 
2011 2ND QUARTER FORM 10-Q

 
Cleco
 
CLECO CONSOLIDATED FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AT REPORTING DATE USING:
  
CLECO CONSOLIDATED FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AT REPORTING DATE USING:
 
(THOUSANDS) 
AT JUNE 30, 2011
  
QUOTED PRICES IN
ACTIVE MARKETS
FOR IDENTICAL
ASSETS
(LEVEL 1)
  
SIGNIFICANT
OTHER
OBSERVABLE
INPUTS
(LEVEL 2)
  
SIGNIFICANT
UNOBSERVABLE
INPUTS
(LEVEL 3)
  AT DECEMBER 31, 2010  
QUOTED PRICES IN
ACTIVE MARKETS
FOR IDENTICAL
ASSETS
(LEVEL 1)
  
SIGNIFICANT
OTHER
OBSERVABLE
INPUTS
(LEVEL 2)
  
SIGNIFICANT
UNOBSERVABLE
INPUTS
(LEVEL 3)
  AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2011  
QUOTED PRICES IN
ACTIVE MARKETS
FOR IDENTICAL
ASSETS
(LEVEL 1)
  
SIGNIFICANT
OTHER
OBSERVABLE
INPUTS
(LEVEL 2)
  
SIGNIFICANT
UNOBSERVABLE
INPUTS
(LEVEL 3)
  AT DECEMBER 31, 2010  
QUOTED PRICES IN
ACTIVE MARKETS
FOR IDENTICAL
ASSETS
(LEVEL 1)
  
SIGNIFICANT
OTHER
OBSERVABLE
INPUTS
(LEVEL 2)
  
SIGNIFICANT
UNOBSERVABLE
INPUTS
(LEVEL 3)
 
Asset Description                                                
Energy market derivatives
 $-  $-  $-  $-  $97  $-  $97  $-  $-  $-  $-  $-  $97  $-  $97  $- 
Institutional money market funds
  192,599   -   192,599   -   229,748   -   229,748   -   182,603   -   182,603   -   229,748   -   229,748   - 
Total assets
 $192,599  $-  $192,599  $-  $229,845  $-  $229,845  $-  $182,603  $-  $182,603  $-  $229,845  $-  $229,845  $- 
Liability Description                                                                
Energy market derivatives
 $7,665  $1,532  $6,133  $-  $15,245  $3,317  $11,928  $-  $5,685  $381  $5,304  $-  $15,245  $3,317  $11,928  $- 
Treasury rate lock
  29,962   -   29,962   -   -   -   -   - 
Total liabilities
 $7,665  $1,532  $6,133  $-  $15,245  $3,317  $11,928  $-  $35,647  $381  $35,266  $-  $15,245  $3,317  $11,928  $- 
 
Cleco Power
 
CLECO POWER FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AT REPORTING DATE USING:
  
CLECO POWER FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AT REPORTING DATE USING:
 
(THOUSANDS) 
AT JUNE 30, 2011
  
QUOTED PRICES IN
ACTIVE MARKETS
FOR IDENTICAL
ASSETS
(LEVEL 1)
  
SIGNIFICANT
OTHER
OBSERVABLE
INPUTS
(LEVEL 2)
  
SIGNIFICANT
UNOBSERVABLE
INPUTS
(LEVEL 3)
  AT DECEMBER 31, 2010  
QUOTED PRICES IN
ACTIVE MARKETS
FOR IDENTICAL
ASSETS
(LEVEL 1)
  
SIGNIFICANT
OTHER
OBSERVABLE
INPUTS
(LEVEL 2)
  
SIGNIFICANT
UNOBSERVABLE
INPUTS
(LEVEL 3)
  AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2011  
QUOTED PRICES IN
ACTIVE MARKETS
FOR IDENTICAL
ASSETS
(LEVEL 1)
  
SIGNIFICANT
OTHER
OBSERVABLE
INPUTS
(LEVEL 2)
  
SIGNIFICANT
UNOBSERVABLE
INPUTS
(LEVEL 3)
  AT DECEMBER 31, 2010  
QUOTED PRICES IN
ACTIVE MARKETS
FOR IDENTICAL
ASSETS
(LEVEL 1)
  
SIGNIFICANT
OTHER
OBSERVABLE
INPUTS
(LEVEL 2)
  
SIGNIFICANT
UNOBSERVABLE
INPUTS
(LEVEL 3)
 
Asset Description                                                
Energy market derivatives
 $-  $-  $-  $-  $97  $-  $97  $-  $-  $-  $-  $-  $97  $-  $97  $- 
Institutional money market funds
  180,802   -   180,802   -   224,451   -   224,451   -   168,307   -   168,307   -   224,451   -   224,451   - 
Total assets
 $180,802  $-  $180,802  $-  $224,548  $-  $224,548  $-  $168,307  $-  $168,307  $-  $224,548  $-  $224,548  $- 
Liability Description                                                                
Energy market derivatives
 $7,665  $1,532  $6,133  $-  $15,245  $3,317  $11,928  $-  $5,685  $381  $5,304  $-  $15,245  $3,317  $11,928  $- 
Treasury rate lock
  29,962   -   29,962   -   -   -   -   - 
Total liabilities
 $7,665  $1,532  $
6,133
  $-  $15,245  $3,317  $11,928  $-  $35,647  $381  $35,266  $-  $15,245  $3,317  $11,928  $- 

The derivative assets and liabilities are classified as either current or non-current depending on when the positions close.  All energy market derivative current assets and current liabilities are reported as a net current energy risk management asset or liability.  All energy market derivative non-current assets and non-current liabilities are reported net in other deferred charges or other deferred credits.  Net presentation is appropriate due to the right of offset included in the master netting agreements.  On the balance sheet, the net current and net non-current derivative positions are netted with the applicable margin deposits.  At JuneSeptember 30, 2011, a net current energy risk management liability of $5.7$5.2 million represented the current derivative positions of $7.6$5.7 million reduced by current margin deposits of $1.8$0.5 million and option premiums that were less than $0.1 million.  The non-current liability derivative positions of $0.1 million were recorded in other deferred credits.  The institutional money market funds were reported on the Cleco Condensed
29

CLECO CORPORATION
CLECO POWER 
2011 3RD QUARTER FORM 10-Q
Consolidated Balance Sheet in cash and cash equivalents, current restricted cash, and non-current restricted cash of $157.4$153.7 million, $8.1$3.6 million, and $27.1$25.3 million, respectively.  At Cleco Power, cash and cash equivalents, current restricted cash, and non-current restricted cash were $145.7$139.5 million, $8.1$3.6 million, and $27.0$25.2 million, respectively, as of JuneSeptember 30, 2011.  The treasury rate lock was reported on Cleco Corporation and Cleco Power’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as a current liability in the line item interest rate risk management liability as of September 30, 2011.
Cleco utilizes different valuation techniques for fair value calculations.  In order to measure the fair value for Level 1 assets and liabilities, Cleco obtains the closing price from published indices in active markets for the various instruments and multiplies this price by the appropriate number of instruments held.  Level 2 fair values for assets and liabilities are determined by obtaining the closing price from published indices in active markets for instruments that are similar to Cleco’s assets and liabilities.  The fair value obtained is then discounted to the current period using a U.S. Treasury published interest rate as a proxy for a risk-free rate of return.  For some options, Cleco uses the Black-Scholes model using observable and available inputs to calculate the fair value, consistent with the income approach.  These techniques have been applied consistently from fiscal period to fiscal period.  Level 3 fair values allow for situations in which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date.  Cleco had no Level 3 assets or liabilities at JuneSeptember 30, 2011, or December 31, 2010.
The assets and liabilities reported at fair value are grouped into classes based on the underlying nature and risks associated with the individual asset or liability.  Level 1 of energy market derivative assets and liabilities consists of a single class that includes natural gas futures with quoted prices on a liquid, national exchange.  As the future price of natural gas is affected by market expectations, such as the supply of natural gas relative to demand, the fair value of Cleco’s natural gas futures fluctuates.
Level 2 of energy market derivative assets and liabilities consists of two classes.  The first class contains natural gas swaps which fluctuate in value as the underlying natural gas futures fair value changes, and as market interest rates change. Cleco records the natural gas swaps at the net present value.  The second class consists of natural gas options.  The fair value of natural gas options fluctuates with the volatility in the fair value of natural gas, the number of days until the options expire, the underlying natural gas futures price fluctuations, and market interest rates.  Cleco records natural gas
30

CLECO CORPORATION
CLECO POWER 
2011 2ND QUARTER FORM 10-Q
options at the net present value.  Both of these energy market derivative classes also contain counterparty execution risk because the transactions are entered into with a direct counterparty and are not traded through an exchange.
The Level 2 institutional money market funds asset consists of a single class.  In order to capture interest income and minimize risk, cash is invested in money market funds that invest primarily in short-term securities issued by the U.S. Treasury in order to maintain liquidity and achieve the goal of a net asset value of a dollar.  The risks associated with this class are counterparty risk of the fund manager and risk of price volatility associated with the underlying securities of the fund.
The Level 2 treasury rate lock liability consisted of a single class that only contains one instrument.  The risks are changes in the reference treasury yield rate and counterparty risk.  This instrument is with a direct counterparty and not traded through an exchange.
Cleco has a policy which states that transfers between Levels 1, 2, and 3 are recognized at the end of a reporting period.  During the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2011, and the year ended December 31, 2010, Cleco did not experience any transfers between levels.
 
Derivatives and Hedging
The authoritative guidance on derivatives and hedging requires entities to provide transparencytransparent disclosures about a company’s derivative activities and how the related hedged items affect a company’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows.  Cleco is required to provide qualitative disclosures about derivative fair value, gains and losses, and credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements.  
The following table presents the fair values of derivative instruments and their respective line items as recorded on Cleco Corporation and Cleco Power’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of JuneSeptember 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010:

DERIVATIVES NOT DESIGNATED AS HEDGING INSTRUMENTS
 
DERIVATIVES NOT DESIGNATED AS HEDGING INSTRUMENTS
 
LIABILITY DERIVATIVES
 
LIABILITY DERIVATIVES
 
(THOUSANDS)
FAIR VALUE
BALANCE SHEET LINE ITEM AT JUNE 30, 2011  
DECEMBER 31, 2010
 BALANCE SHEET LINE ITEM AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2011  
DECEMBER 31, 2010
 
Commodity contracts              
Fuel cost hedges:              
Current
Risk management liability, net $(7,576) $(13,497)Energy risk management liability, net $(5,685) $(13,497)
Long-term
Other deferred credits  (89)  (1,651)Other deferred credits  -   (1,651)
Total  $(7,665) $(15,148)  $(5,685) $(15,148)
30

CLECO CORPORATION
CLECO POWER 
2011 3RD QUARTER FORM 10-Q
 
The following table presents the effect of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments on Cleco Corporation and Cleco Power’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2011, and 2010:

  
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
   
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED
   
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
   
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED
 
  
JUNE 30, 2011
  
JUNE 30, 2010
   
JUNE 30, 2011
  
JUNE 30, 2010
   
SEPTEMBER 30, 2011
  
SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
   
SEPTEMBER 30, 2011
  
SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
 
(THOUSANDS)
GAIN (LOSS) IN INCOME OF
DERIVATIVES LINE ITEM
 
AMOUNT OF GAIN
RECOGNIZED IN
INCOME ON
DERIVATIVES
  
AMOUNT OF GAIN (LOSS)
RECOGNIZED IN
INCOME ON
DERIVATIVES
 
GAIN (LOSS) IN INCOME OF
DERIVATIVES LINE ITEM
 
AMOUNT OF GAIN
RECOGNIZED IN
INCOME ON
DERIVATIVES
  
AMOUNT OF LOSS
RECOGNIZED IN
INCOME ON
DERIVATIVES
 
GAIN (LOSS) IN INCOME OF
DERIVATIVES LINE ITEM
 
AMOUNT OF LOSS
RECOGNIZED IN
INCOME ON
DERIVATIVES
  
AMOUNT OF LOSS
RECOGNIZED IN
INCOME ON
DERIVATIVES
 
GAIN (LOSS) IN INCOME OF
DERIVATIVES LINE ITEM
 
AMOUNT OF LOSS
RECOGNIZED IN
INCOME ON
DERIVATIVES
  
AMOUNT OF LOSS
RECOGNIZED IN
INCOME ON
DERIVATIVES
 
Commodity contracts                        
Economic hedges
Other operations revenue $-  $112(1)Other operations revenue $-  $(491) (2)Other operations revenue $-  $(157) (1)Other operations revenue $-  $(648) (2)
Fuel cost hedges(3)
Fuel used for electric generation  5,203   (14,402)Fuel used for electric generation  8,997   (22,215)Fuel used for electric generation  (5,678)  (10,182)Fuel used for electric generation  (14,675)  (32,397)
Total  $5,203  $(14,290)  $8,997  $(22,706)  $(5,678) $(10,339)  $(14,675) $(33,045)
(1)For the three months ended June 30, 2010, Cleco recognized $0.4 million of mark-to-market gains related to economic hedges.
 
(2)For the six months ended June 30, 2010, Cleco recognized less than $0.1 million of mark-to-market gains related to economic hedges.
 
(3)In accordance with the authoritative guidance for regulated operations, an additional $7.7 million of unrealized losses and $2.1 million of deferred losses associated with fuel cost hedges are reported in Accumulated Deferred Fuel on the balance sheet as of June 30, 2011, compared to $15.1 million of unrealized losses and $1.6 million of deferred losses associated with fuel cost hedges as of December 31, 2010. As gains and losses are realized in future periods, they will be recorded as Fuel Used for Electric Generation on the Income Statement.
 
(1)For the three months ended September 30, 2010, Cleco recognized $0.2 million of mark-to-market gains related to economic hedges.
(1)For the three months ended September 30, 2010, Cleco recognized $0.2 million of mark-to-market gains related to economic hedges.
 
(2)For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, Cleco recognized $0.2 million of mark-to-market gains related to economic hedges.
(2)For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, Cleco recognized $0.2 million of mark-to-market gains related to economic hedges.
 
(3)In accordance with the authoritative guidance for regulated operations, an additional $5.7 million of unrealized losses and $1.3 million of deferred losses associated with fuel cost hedges are reported in Accumulated Deferred Fuel on the balance sheet as of September 30, 2011, compared to $15.1 million of unrealized losses and $1.6 million of deferred losses associated with fuel cost hedges as of December 31, 2010. As gains and losses are realized in future periods, they will be recorded as Fuel Used for Electric Generation on the Income Statement.
(3)In accordance with the authoritative guidance for regulated operations, an additional $5.7 million of unrealized losses and $1.3 million of deferred losses associated with fuel cost hedges are reported in Accumulated Deferred Fuel on the balance sheet as of September 30, 2011, compared to $15.1 million of unrealized losses and $1.6 million of deferred losses associated with fuel cost hedges as of December 31, 2010. As gains and losses are realized in future periods, they will be recorded as Fuel Used for Electric Generation on the Income Statement.
 

At JuneSeptember 30, 2011, Cleco Power had 5.53.3 million MMBtus hedged for natural gas fuel costs, which is approximately 7%4% of the estimated natural gas requirements for a two-year period.  At December 31, 2010, Cleco Power had 9.4 million MMBtus hedged or approximately 11% of gas requirements for a two-year period.  
The following table presents the effect of derivatives designated as hedging instruments on Cleco Corporation and Cleco Power’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2011, and 2010:

 
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
 JUNE 30, 2011
  
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30, 2010
  
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
 SEPTEMBER 30, 2011
  
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
 
(THOUSANDS) 
AMOUNT
 RECOGNIZED IN OCI
  
AMOUNT OF GAIN
RECLASSIFIED
FROM ACCUMULATED
OCI INTO INCOME
(EFFECTIVE PORTION)
  
AMOUNT OF LOSS
RECOGNIZED IN OCI
  
AMOUNT OF (LOSS)
GAIN RECLASSIFIED
FROM ACCUMULATED
OCI INTO INCOME
(EFFECTIVE PORTION)
  
AMOUNT OF LOSS
 RECOGNIZED IN OCI
  
AMOUNT OF GAIN
RECLASSIFIED
FROM ACCUMULATED
OCI INTO INCOME
(EFFECTIVE PORTION)
  
AMOUNT OF LOSS
RECOGNIZED IN OCI
  
AMOUNT OF (LOSS)
GAIN RECLASSIFIED
FROM ACCUMULATED
OCI INTO INCOME
(EFFECTIVE PORTION)
 
Interest rate swap(1)
 $-  $-  $(60) $(197)* $-  $-  $(376) $(194)*
Treasury rate locks $-  $89* $-  $42* $(29,962) $89* $-  $41*
* The (loss) gain reclassified from accumulated OCI into income (effective portion) is reflected in interest charges.* The (loss) gain reclassified from accumulated OCI into income (effective portion) is reflected in interest charges.             * The (loss) gain reclassified from accumulated OCI into income (effective portion) is reflected in interest charges.             
(1) In November 2010, the interest rate swap was terminated.
             
(1) In November 2010, the interest rate swap was terminated. All remaining losses in accumulated OCI were reclassified to other expense.
(1) In November 2010, the interest rate swap was terminated. All remaining losses in accumulated OCI were reclassified to other expense.
         

31

CLECO CORPORATION
CLECO POWER 
2011 2ND QUARTER FORM 10-Q
 
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED
 JUNE 30, 2011
  
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30, 2010
  
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED
 SEPTEMBER 30, 2011
  
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
 
(THOUSANDS) 
AMOUNT
 RECOGNIZED IN OCI
  
AMOUNT OF GAIN
RECLASSIFIED
FROM ACCUMULATED
OCI INTO INCOME
(EFFECTIVE PORTION)
  
AMOUNT OF LOSS
RECOGNIZED IN OCI
  
AMOUNT OF (LOSS)
GAIN RECLASSIFIED
FROM ACCUMULATED
OCI INTO INCOME
(EFFECTIVE PORTION)
  
AMOUNT OF LOSS
 RECOGNIZED IN OCI
  
AMOUNT OF GAIN
RECLASSIFIED
FROM ACCUMULATED
OCI INTO INCOME
(EFFECTIVE PORTION)
  
AMOUNT OF LOSS
RECOGNIZED IN OCI
  
AMOUNT OF (LOSS)
GAIN RECLASSIFIED
FROM ACCUMULATED
OCI INTO INCOME
(EFFECTIVE PORTION)
 
Interest rate swap(1)
 $-  $-  $(341) $(399)* $-  $-  $(717) $(592)*
Treasury rate locks $-  $177* $-  $83* $(29,962) $267* $-  $125*
* The (loss) gain reclassified from accumulated OCI into income (effective portion) is reflected in interest charges.* The (loss) gain reclassified from accumulated OCI into income (effective portion) is reflected in interest charges.             * The (loss) gain reclassified from accumulated OCI into income (effective portion) is reflected in interest charges.             
(1) In November 2010, the interest rate swap was terminated.
             
(1) In November 2010, the interest rate swap was terminated. All remaining losses in accumulated OCI were reclassified to other expense.
(1) In November 2010, the interest rate swap was terminated. All remaining losses in accumulated OCI were reclassified to other expense.
         
 
At JuneSeptember 30, 2011, Cleco Power expected $0.4$0.5 million of the effective portion of treasury rate locks cash flow hedges to be reclassed from accumulated OCI to a reductionan increase in interest charges over the next 12 months.  
 
Note 5 — Debt

Short-term Debt
At JuneSeptember 30, 2011, Cleco had no short-term debt outstanding compared to $150.0 million outstanding at December 31, 2010. The short-term debt outstanding at December 31, 2010, was a bank term loan Cleco Corporation entered into in February 2010.  The bank term loan had an interest rate of LIBOR plus 2.75% and was set to mature in February 2011.  In January 2011, Cleco extended the bank term loan to mature August 19, 2011 and lowered the interest rate to LIBOR plus 2.50% or ABR plus 1.50%.  On April 29, 2011, Cleco repaid the $150.0 million bank term loan.  As part of the repayment, Cleco paid $0.6 million for accrued interest on the term loan.
Cleco Power had no short-term debt outstanding at JuneSeptember 30, 2011, or December 31, 2010.

31

CLECO CORPORATION
CLECO POWER 
2011 3RD QUARTER FORM 10-Q
Long-term Debt
At JuneSeptember 30, 2011, Cleco’s long-term debt outstanding was $1.4$1.38 billion, of which $12.7$13.1 million was due within one year, compared to $1.4$1.41 billion outstanding at December 31, 2010, of which $12.3 million was due within one year.  The long-term debt due within one year at JuneSeptember 30, 2011, represents principal payments for the Cleco Katrina/Rita storm recovery bonds scheduled to be paid in the next twelve months.  For Cleco, long-term debt decreased $11.9$28.3 million primarily due to a $6.3$12.3 million of scheduled Cleco Katrina/Rita storm recovery bond principal paymentpayments made in March and September 2011 and a $5.0$15.0 million decrease in credit facility draws outstanding.  
At JuneSeptember 30, 2011, Cleco Power’s long-term debt outstanding was $1.4$1.38 billion, of which $12.7$13.1 million was due within one year, compared to $1.4$1.40 billion outstanding at December 31, 2010, of which $12.3 million was due within one year.  The long-term debt due within one year at JuneSeptember 30, 2011, represents principal payments for the Cleco Katrina/Rita storm recovery bonds scheduled to be paid in the next twelve months.  For Cleco Power, long-term debt decreased $6.9$13.3 million primarily due to a $6.3$12.3 million of scheduled Cleco Katrina/Rita storm recovery bond principal paymentpayments made in March and September 2011.  
The $32.0 million solid waste disposal facility bonds due in 2038, which were issued by the Rapides Finance Authority for the benefit of Cleco Power in October 2008, were required to be mandatorily tendered by the bondholders for purchase on October 1, 2011, pursuant to the terms of the indenture. On October 3, 2011, Cleco Power purchased all $32.0 million outstanding bonds at face value plus $1.0 million of accrued interest.  In connection with the purchase, the interest rate of the bonds was converted to a weekly mode and will reset each week based on the SIFMA (Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association) index. The initial interest rate of the bonds at October 3, 2011, was 0.16% per annum. The bonds were issued by the Rapides Finance Authority in connection with a loan agreement between the Rapides Finance Authority and Cleco Power.  The bonds remain outstanding and Cleco Power will report the bonds as a $32.0 million long-term liability and a corresponding $32.0 million long-term asset.  Interest expense will continue to be recorded with a corresponding amount recorded as interest income, excluding amortization of debt issuance costs. Cleco Power has the option to remarket the bonds for new terms and new interest rates, both to be determined by market conditions.
Credit Facilities
On October 7, 2011, Cleco Corporation amended its credit facility agreement.  Under the amended agreement, Cleco Corporation’s maximum capacity was increased from $200.0 million to $250.0 million, the maturity date was extended to October 7, 2016, and the borrowing costs were lowered to equal LIBOR plus 1.50%, plus facility fees of 0.25%.  At September 30, 2011, Cleco Corporation had no borrowings outstanding under its existing credit facility.
On October 7, 2011, Cleco Power amended its credit facility agreement.  Under the amended agreement, the maturity date was extended to October 7, 2016, and the borrowing costs were lowered to equal LIBOR plus 1.275%, plus facility fees of 0.225% and the borrowing capacity remained $300.0 million.  At September 30, 2011, Cleco Power had no borrowings outstanding under its existing credit facility.
Note 6 — Pension Plan and Employee Benefits

Pension Plan and Other Benefits Plan
Most employees hired before August 1, 2007 are covered by a non-contributory, 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.  During January 2011, Cleco made $60.0 million in discretionary contributions to the pension plan, with $40.1 million designated for the 2010 plan year and the remaining $19.9 million designated for the 2011 plan year.  Cleco Power expects to be required to make approximately $15.2 million in additional contributions to the pension plan over the next five years, none of which it expects will be required for the remainder of the 2011 or the 2012 plan year.  The required contributions are driven by liability funding target percentages set by law which could cause the required contributions to be uneven among the years.  The ultimate amount and timing of the contributions may be affected by changes in the discount rate, changes in the funding regulations, and actual returns on fund assets.  Cleco Power is considered the plan sponsor, and Support Group is considered the plan administrator.  
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 other benefits during the periods in which the benefits are earned.
The components of net periodic pension and other benefit cost for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2011, and 2010, are as follows:

 
PENSION BENEFITS
  
OTHER BENEFITS
  
PENSION BENEFITS
  
OTHER BENEFITS
 
 
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
  
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
 
(THOUSANDS) 
2011
  
2010
  
2011
  
2010
  
2011
  
2010
  
2011
  
2010
 
Components of periodic benefit costs:                        
Service cost
 $2,143  $1,973  $379  $383  $2,097  $1,863  $390  $383 
Interest cost
  4,422   4,459   460   499   4,407   4,286   443   499 
Expected return on plan assets
  (6,811)  (5,248)  -   -   (6,161)  (5,057)  -   - 
Amortizations:
                                
Transition obligation
  -   -   5   5   -   -   5   5 
Prior period service cost
  (18)  (18)  (51)  (505)  (18)  (18)  (51)  (505)
Net loss
  1,376   1,095   256   250   1,389   789   246   250 
Net periodic benefit cost $1,112  $2,261  $1,049  $632  $1,714  $1,863  $1,033  $632 
 
32

 
CLECO CORPORATION 
CLECO POWER       
2011 2ND3RD QUARTER FORM 10-Q
 
 
 
 
PENSION BENEFITS
  
OTHER BENEFITS
  
PENSION BENEFITS
  
OTHER BENEFITS
 
 
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
  
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
 
(THOUSANDS) 
2011
  
2010
  
2011
  
2010
  
2011
  
2010
  
2011
  
2010
 
Components of periodic benefit costs:                        
Service cost
 $4,195  $3,725  $758  $766  $6,292  $5,588  $1,149  $1,149 
Interest cost
  8,815   8,573   921   998   13,222   12,859   1,364   1,498 
Expected return on plan assets
  (12,323)  (10,114)  -   -   (18,484)  (15,171)  -   - 
Amortizations:
                                
Transition obligation
  -   -   10   10   -   -   15   15 
Prior period service cost
  (36)  (36)  (103)  (1,010)  (54)  (54)  (154)  (1,516)
Net loss
  2,778   1,578   513   500   4,167   2,367   758   751 
Net periodic benefit cost $3,429  $3,726  $2,099  $1,264  $5,143  $5,589  $3,132  $1,897 
 
Since Cleco Power is the pension plan sponsor and the related trust holds the assets, the net unfunded status 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 sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2011, was $0.5 million and $1.1$1.6 million, respectively, compared to $0.5 million and $1.0$1.4 million for the same periods in 2010.
Cleco Corporation is the plan sponsor for the other benefit plans.  There are no assets set aside in a trust, and the liabilities are reported on the individual subsidiaries’ financial statements.  At both JuneSeptember 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, the current portion of the other benefits liability for Cleco was $3.0 million.  At both JuneSeptember 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, the current portion of the other benefits liability for Cleco Power was $2.8 million.  The expense related to other benefits reflected in Cleco Power’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2011, was $0.9 million and $1.8$2.7 million, respectively, compared to $0.5 million and $1.1$1.6 million for the same periods in 2010.  
In March 2010, the President signed the PPACA, a comprehensive health care law.  While the provisions of the PPACA are not effective immediately, the provisions could increase the Registrants’ retiree medical unfunded liability and related expenses before the effective date.  Management will continue to monitor this law and its possible impact on the Registrants.  
 
SERP
Certain Cleco executive officers 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 60 months prior to retirement, reduced by benefits received from any other defined benefit pension plan, SERP Plan or Cleco contributions under the enhanced 401(k) Plan to the extent such contributions exceed the limits of the 401(k) Plan.  Cleco Corporation does not fund the SERP liability, but instead pays 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 the SERP participants’ life insurance benefits, as well as future SERP payments.  However, since SERP 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.  All SERP benefits are paid out of the general cash available of the respective companies from which the officer retired.  No contributions to the SERP were made during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2011, or 2010.  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,  
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
  
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
 
(THOUSANDS) 
2011
  
2010
  
2011
  
2010
  
2011
  
2010
  
2011
  
2010
 
Components of periodic benefit costs:                        
Service cost
 $333  $347  $783  $695  $392  $453  $1,175  $1,148 
Interest cost
  527   525   1,052   1,050   526   541   1,578   1,591 
Amortizations:
                                
Prior period service cost
  13   14   27   27   13   13   40   40 
Net loss
  208   221   470   442   235   253   705   695 
Net periodic benefit cost $1,081  $1,107  $2,332  $2,214  $1,166  $1,260  $3,498  $3,474 
 
The SERP liabilities are reported on the individual subsidiaries’ financial statements.  At JuneSeptember 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, the current portion of the SERP liability for Cleco was $1.8 million and $2.0 million, respectively.  At JuneSeptember 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, the current portion of the SERP liability for Cleco Power was $0.7 million and $0.6 million, respectively.  The expense related to the SERP reflected on Cleco Power’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income was $0.3 million and $0.6$0.9 million for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2011, respectively, compared to $0.3$0.4 million and $0.5$0.9 million for the same periods in 2010.  
 
401(k) Plan
Most employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) Plan.  Since January 2008,Under the 401(k) Plan, Cleco Corporation has mademakes matching contributions and fundedfunds dividend reinvestments with cash.  Cleco’s 401(k) Plan expense for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2011, and 2010 is as follows:

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
 
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
  
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
 
(THOUSANDS)
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
  
2010
  
2011
  
2010
 
401(k) Plan expense
$852
 
$829
 
$2,053
 
$1,859
 $945  $925  $2,998  $2,784 
 
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 sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2011, was $0.2 million and $0.5$0.7 million, respectively, compared to $0.2 million and $0.4$0.6 million for the same periods in 2010.  
33

CLECO CORPORATION
CLECO POWER 
2011 3RD QUARTER FORM 10-Q
 
 
Note 7 — Income Taxes

The following table summarizes the effective income tax rates for Cleco Corporation and Cleco Power for the three- and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2011, and 2010.

33

CLECO CORPORATION
CLECO POWER 
2011 2ND QUARTER FORM 10-Q
 
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
 JUNE 30,
  
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30,
 
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
 SEPTEMBER 30,
 
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
 
2011
  
2010
  
2011
  
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
Cleco Corporation  34.2%  33.1%  32.9%  34.4%
27.3%
 
37.8%
 
30.8%
 
35.2%
Cleco Power  30.8%  33.0%  31.5%  30.8%
37.0%
 
33.7%
 
34.1%
 
32.1%
 
Effective Tax Rates
For the three and six months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2011, the effective income tax rates for Cleco Corporation and Cleco Power arewere different than the federal statutory rate due to permanent tax deductions, flow-through of tax benefits associated with AFUDC equity, and state tax expense.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the effective income tax rates for Cleco Corporation and Cleco Power were different than the federal statutory rate due to permanent tax deductions, flow-through of tax benefits associated with AFUDC equity, a reversal of the valuation allowance on the deferred tax asset for a capital loss carryforward due to capital gains generated in 2011, as discussed below, and state tax expense.
For the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010, the effective income tax rates for Cleco Corporation and Cleco Power were different than the federal statutory rate due to permanent tax deductions, flow-through of tax benefits associated with AFUDC equity, a valuation allowance on the deferred tax asset for a capital loss carryforward, and state tax expense.
For the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010, the effective income tax rates for Cleco Corporation and Cleco Power were different than the federal statutory rate due to permanent tax deductions, flow-through of tax benefits associated with AFUDC equity, a valuation allowance on the deferred tax asset for a capital loss carryforward, an adjustment for Medicare Part D from health care legislation enacted in the first quarter of 2010, an adjustment for the implementation of new retail rates, and state tax expense.
 
Valuation Allowance
During 2010, a $1.2 million valuation allowance against the $2.7 million deferred tax asset on capital loss carryforwards was reflected on Cleco and Cleco Power’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  This $1.2 million valuation allowance was reversed in the second quarter of 2011 due to capital gains generated in 2011 by the disposition of Acadia Unit 2.
 
Net Operating Losses
As of JuneSeptember 30, 2011, Cleco generated federal net operating losses and state net operating losses of $97.4$51.7 million and $90.0$45.2 million, respectively, which will begin to expire in 2031 and 2026.  Cleco Power generated federal net operating losses and state net operating losses of $88.7$48.2 million and $81.3$41.4 million, respectively, which will begin to expire in 2031 and 2026.  Cleco and Cleco Power consider it more likely than not that these losses will be utilized to reduce future income taxes.  Cleco and Cleco Power expectsexpect to utilize the entire net operating loss carryforward in 2012, while Cleco expects to utilize the entire net operating loss by the end of 2013.2012.
 
Uncertain Tax Positions
Effective January 1, 2007, Cleco adopted the provisions of the authoritative guidance on accounting for uncertain tax positions.  With this adoption, Cleco classified all interest related to uncertain tax positions as a component of interest payable and interest expense.  The total amountamounts of interest associated with uncertain tax positions at June 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, recognizedrelated interest payable and interest expense, as reflected on Cleco Corporation’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets was $43.9 millionCorporation and $41.0 million, respectively.  The total amount of interest associated with uncertain tax positions at June 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, recognized on Cleco Power’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets was $17.0 million and $15.2 million, respectively.  The total amount of interest expense related to uncertain tax positions for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, recognized on Cleco Corporation’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, was $1.3 million and $2.1 million, respectively.  The total amount of interest expense related to uncertain tax positions forare shown in the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, recognized on Cleco Power’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income was $0.9 million and $1.3 million, respectively.  The total amount of interest expense related to uncertain tax positions for the six months ended June 30, 2011, and 2010, recognized on Cleco Corporation’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income was $2.9 million and $4.0 million, respectively.  The total amount of interest expense related to uncertain tax positions for the six months ended June 30, 2011, and 2010 recognized on Cleco Power’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income was $1.8 million and $2.5 million, respectively.  following tables:
 
(THOUSANDS)
 AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2011  
AT DECEMBER 31, 2010
 
Interest payable      
Cleco Corporation
 $43,972  $41,018 
Cleco Power
 $16,567  $15,211 

  
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
  
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
 
(THOUSANDS) 
2011
  
2010
  
2011
  
2010
 
Interest charges            
Cleco Corporation
 $93  $2,518  $2,954  $6,504 
Cleco Power
 $(420) $(5,091) $1,356  $(2,613)
The total liability for unrecognized tax benefits for Cleco Corporation and Cleco Power at JuneSeptember 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, are shown in the following tables:
 
Cleco
(THOUSANDS) 
LIABILITY FOR UNRECOGNIZED
TAX BENEFITS
  
LIABILITY FOR UNRECOGNIZED
TAX BENEFITS
 
Balance at December 31, 2010 $102,785  $102,785 
Reduction for tax positions of current period  (1,813)  (3,116)
Additions for tax positions of prior periods  4,312   10,585 
Reduction for tax positions of prior periods  (876)  (9,546)
Reduction for settlement with taxing authority  -   - 
Reduction for lapse of statute of limitations  -   - 
Balance at June 30, 2011 $104,408 
Balance at September 30, 2011 $100,708 
 
Cleco Power
(THOUSANDS) 
LIABILITY FOR UNRECOGNIZED
TAX BENEFITS
  
LIABILITY FOR UNRECOGNIZED
TAX BENEFITS
 
Balance at December 31, 2010 $60,975  $60,975 
Reduction for tax positions of current period  (1,774)  (3,032)
Additions for tax positions of prior periods  -   3,634 
Reduction for tax positions of prior periods  -   (8,670)
Reduction for settlement with taxing authority  -   - 
Reduction for lapse of statute of limitations  -   - 
Balance at June 30, 2011 $59,201 
Balance at September 30, 2011 $52,907 
 
The federal income tax years that remain subject to examination by the IRS are 2001 through 2010.  The Louisiana state income tax years that remain subject to examination by the Louisiana Department of Revenue are 2001 through 2010.  In December 2010, Cleco deposited $52.2 million with the IRS associated with the years currently under audit, of which $45.9 million reduced accrued income taxes payable and $6.3 million reduced accrued interest payable.  In February 2011, Cleco deposited an additional $8.2 million with the IRS
 
34

 
CLECO CORPORATION 
CLECO POWER       
2011 2ND3RD QUARTER FORM 10-Q
 
 
associated with the years currently under audit, which reduced income taxes payable.
Cleco is currently under audit by the IRS which has proposed adjustments to taxes for various issues, including but not limited to, depreciable tax lives, bonus depreciation, deductible storm costs, research and experimentation costs, domestic production activities deduction, and repair allowance deductions.  Cleco estimates that it is reasonably possibleexpects that the balance of unrecognized tax benefits as of JuneSeptember 30, 2011, couldwill decrease by a maximum of $33.5$42.7 million for Cleco Power and $73.3$2.6 million for Cleco Power in the next 12 months as a result of reaching a settlement with the IRS.  TheThis settlement could involvewill result in the payment of additional taxes, the adjustment of deferred taxes, and/orand the recognition of tax benefits which may have an effect onwill affect Cleco’s effective tax rate.
On October 13, 2011, Cleco settled the 2001 through 2003 audit cycle with the IRS.  For additional information on the settlement, see Note 16 — “Subsequent Event.”
 
Note 8 — Disclosures about Segments

Cleco’s reportable segments are based on its method of internal reporting, which disaggregates business units by first-tier subsidiary.  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 interconnection facilities, and an investment subsidiary.  
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 2011 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.

 
35

 
CLECO CORPORATION 
CLECO POWER       
2011 2ND3RD QUARTER FORM 10-Q
 
 
SEGMENT INFORMATION FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNESEPTEMBER 30,
 
CLECO
     
RECONCILING
        
CLECO
     
RECONCILING
       
2011 (THOUSANDS)
 
POWER
  
MIDSTREAM
  
ITEMS
  
ELIMINATIONS
  CONSOLIDATED  
POWER
  
MIDSTREAM
  
ITEMS
  
ELIMINATIONS
  CONSOLIDATED 
Revenue                              
Electric operations
 $260,485  $-  $-  $-  $260,485  $324,532  $-  $-  $-  $324,532 
Tolling operations
  -   4,222   -   -   4,222   -   9,133   -   -   9,133 
Other operations
  12,453   7   526   (3)  12,983   15,565   1   500   (2)  16,064 
Electric customer credits
  (4,822)  -   -   -   (4,822)  1,852   -   -   -   1,852 
Affiliate revenue  348   12   13,075   (13,380)  55   347   -   13,448   (13,795)  - 
Operating revenue $268,464  $4,241  $13,601  $(13,383) $272,923  $342,296  $9,134  $13,948  $(13,797) $351,581 
Depreciation $28,282  $1,457  $246  $-  $29,985  $28,859  $1,457  $241  $-  $30,557 
Interest charges $24,322  $628  $631  $38  $25,619  $25,306  $752  $(308) $29  $25,779 
Interest income $168  $-  $(35) $37  $170  $276  $5  $199  $29  $509 
Equity income from investees, before tax $-  $61,440  $-  $-  $61,440 
Equity loss from investees, before tax $-  $-  $(1) $-  $(1)
Federal and state income tax expense (benefit) $15,879  $21,536  $(895) $-  $36,520  $31,656  $444  $(7,363) $-  $24,737 
Segment profit (1)
 $35,694  $34,425  $229  $-  $70,348  $53,833  $5,946  $6,063  $-  $65,842 
Additions to long-lived assets $35,185  $122  $611  $-  $35,918  $76,213  $4,074  $81  $-  $80,368 
Equity investment in investees $13,073  $-  $10  $-  $13,083  $13,073  $-  $9  $(1) $13,081 
Total segment assets $3,779,401  $233,099  $225,981  $(179,762) $4,058,719  $3,774,385  $234,537  $200,854  $(138,235) $4,071,541 
(1) Reconciliation of segment profit to consolidated profit:
 Segment profit          $70,348     
 Unallocated items:             
 
Preferred dividends requirements, net of tax
       15     
 
Preferred stock redemption costs, net of tax
       112     
 Net income applicable to common stock  $70,221     


 
CLECO
     
RECONCILING
        
CLECO
     
RECONCILING
       
2010 (THOUSANDS)
 
POWER
  
MIDSTREAM
  
ITEMS
  
ELIMINATIONS
  CONSOLIDATED  
POWER
  
MIDSTREAM
  
ITEMS
  
ELIMINATIONS
  CONSOLIDATED 
Revenue                              
Electric operations
 $261,101  $-  $-  $-  $261,101  $325,629  $-  $-  $-  $325,629 
Tolling operations
  -   4,399   -   -   4,399   -   11,153   -   -   11,153 
Other operations
  9,755   1   492   (3)  10,245   12,819   1   488   (3)  13,305 
Electric customer credits
  (6,314)  -   -   -   (6,314)
Affiliate revenue  344   13   12,011   (12,210)  158   343   5   11,290   (11,519) $119 
Operating revenue $271,200  $4,413  $12,503  $(12,213) $275,903  $332,477  $11,159  $11,778  $(11,522) $343,892 
Depreciation $28,162  $1,444  $192  $-  $29,798  $27,133  $1,446  $268  $-  $28,847 
Interest charges $22,318  $1,431  $780  $(11) $24,518  $16,044  $1,109  $7,949  $(34) $25,068 
Interest income $76  $-  $14  $(10) $80  $117  $-  $44  $(33) $128 
Equity loss from investees, before tax $-  $(1,129) $-  $-  $(1,129)
Equity income from investees, before tax $-  $2,494  $-  $-  $2,494 
Federal and state income tax expense (benefit) $19,236  $(1,241) $(606) $-  $17,389  $26,568  $2,758  $830  $(1) $30,155 
Segment profit (loss) (1)
 $39,089  $(1,991) $(1,913) $1  $35,186  $52,335  $5,156  $(7,879) $-  $49,612 
Additions to long-lived assets $32,438  $574  $50  $-  $33,062  $35,308  $454  $441  $-  $36,203 
Equity investment in investees (2)
 $13,073  $73,648  $11  $-  $86,732  $13,073  $73,648  $11  $-  $86,732 
Total segment assets (2)
 $3,795,205  $316,165  $401,663  $(351,623) $4,161,410  $3,795,205  $316,165  $401,663  $(351,623) $4,161,410 
(1) Reconciliation of segment profit to consolidated profit:
 Segment profit          $35,186      Segment profit          $49,612     
(2) Balances as of December 31, 2010
 Unallocated items:              Unallocated items:             
 
Preferred dividends requirements, net of tax
       12      
Preferred dividends requirements, net of tax
       12     
 Net income applicable to common stock  $35,174      Net income applicable to common stock  $49,600     
 
36

 
CLECO CORPORATION 
CLECO POWER       
2011 2ND3RD QUARTER FORM 10-Q
 


SEGMENT INFORMATION FOR THE SIXNINE MONTHS ENDED JUNESEPTEMBER 30,
  
CLECO
     
RECONCILING
       
2011 (THOUSANDS)
 
POWER
  
MIDSTREAM
  
ITEMS
  
ELIMINATIONS
  CONSOLIDATED 
Revenue               
Electric operations
 $498,953  $-  $-  $-  $498,953 
Tolling operations
  -   7,003   -   -   7,003 
Other operations
  24,696   7   1,010   (2)  25,711 
Electric customer credits
  (5,256)  -   -   -   (5,256)
Affiliate revenue  694   45   24,096   (24,633)  202 
Operating revenue $519,087  $7,055  $25,106  $(24,635) $526,613 
Depreciation $55,683  $2,913  $487  $1  $59,084 
Interest charges $48,723  $1,211  $2,198  $100  $52,232 
Interest income $281  $1  $(96) $99  $285 
Equity income (loss) from investees, before tax $-  $62,053  $(1) $-  $62,052 
Federal and state income tax expense (benefit) $30,279  $20,853  $(2,417) $(1) $48,714 
Segment profit (1)
 $65,724  $33,328  $311  $-  $99,363 
Additions to long-lived assets $75,914  $1,128  $671  $-  $77,713 
Equity investment in investees $13,073  $-  $10  $-  $13,083 
Total segment assets $3,779,401  $233,099  $225,981  $(179,762) $4,058,719 
(1) Reconciliation of segment profit to consolidated profit:
 Segment profit          $99,363     
  Unallocated items:             
  
Preferred dividends requirements, net of tax
       26     
  
Preferred stock redemption costs, net of tax
       112     
  Net income applicable to common stock  $99,225     


  
CLECO
     
RECONCILING
       
2011 (THOUSANDS)
 
POWER
  
MIDSTREAM
  
ITEMS
  
ELIMINATIONS
  CONSOLIDATED 
Revenue               
Electric operations
 $823,484  $-  $-  $-  $823,484 
Tolling operations
  -   16,137   -   -   16,137 
Other operations
  40,261   8   1,511   (5)  41,775 
Electric customer credits
  (3,405)  -   -   -   (3,405)
Affiliate revenue  1,041   45   37,544   (38,428)  202 
Operating revenue $861,381  $16,190  $39,055  $(38,433) $878,193 
Depreciation $84,543  $4,370  $728  $-  $89,641 
Interest charges $74,029  $1,963  $1,891  $128  $78,011 
Interest income $557  $6  $103  $128  $794 
Equity income (loss) from investees, before tax $-  $62,053  $(2) $-  $62,051 
Federal and state income tax expense (benefit) $61,935  $21,296  $(9,781) $1  $73,451 
Segment profit (1)
 $119,557  $39,274  $6,374  $-  $165,205 
Additions to long-lived assets $152,082  $5,202  $749  $-  $158,033 
Equity investment in investees $13,073  $-  $9  $(1) $13,081 
Total segment assets $3,774,385  $234,537  $200,854  $(138,235) $4,071,541 
(1) Reconciliation of segment profit to consolidated profit:
 Segment profit          $165,205     
  Unallocated items:             
  
Preferred dividends requirements, net of tax
       26     
  
Preferred stock redemption costs, net of tax
       112     
  Net income applicable to common stock  $165,067     
  
CLECO
     
RECONCILING
       
2010 (THOUSANDS)
 
POWER
  
MIDSTREAM
  
ITEMS
  
ELIMINATIONS
  CONSOLIDATED 
Revenue               
Electric operations
 $513,899  $-  $-  $-  $513,899 
Tolling operations
  -   11,863   -   -   11,863 
Other operations
  20,140   1   983   (5)  21,119 
Affiliate revenue  686   918   23,494   (23,791)  1,307 
Operating revenue $534,725  $12,782  $24,477  $(23,796) $548,188 
Depreciation $50,808  $2,887  $356  $-  $54,051 
Interest charges $41,060  $4,863  $1,626  $(597) $46,952 
Interest income $234  $-  $605  $(597) $242 
Equity income from investees, before tax $-  $36,717  $1  $-  $36,718 
Gain on toll settlement $-  $148,402  $-  $-  $148,402 
Federal and state income tax expense (benefit) $31,731  $70,147  $(4,622) $-  $97,256 
Segment profit (1)
 $71,249  $112,020  $1,887  $(1) $185,155 
Additions to long-lived assets $361,993  $1,122  $740  $-  $363,855 
Equity investment in investees (2)
 $13,073  $73,648  $11  $-  $86,732 
Total segment assets (2)
 $3,795,205  $316,165  $401,663  $(351,623) $4,161,410 
(1) Reconciliation of segment profit to consolidated profit:
 Segment profit          $185,155     
(2) Balances as of December 31, 2010
 Unallocated items:             
  
Preferred dividends requirements, net of tax
       23     
  Net income applicable to common stock  $185,132     

  
CLECO
     
RECONCILING
       
2010 (THOUSANDS)
 
POWER
  
MIDSTREAM
  
ITEMS
  
ELIMINATIONS
  CONSOLIDATED 
Revenue               
Electric operations
 $839,528  $-  $-  $-  $839,528 
Tolling operations
  -   23,016   -   -   23,016 
Other operations
  32,959   2   1,470   (6)  34,425 
Electric customer credits
  (6,314)  -   -   -   (6,314)
Affiliate revenue  1,029   924   34,783   (35,310)  1,426 
Operating revenue $867,202  $23,942  $36,253  $(35,316) $892,081 
Depreciation $77,941  $4,334  $624  $-  $82,899 
Interest charges $57,104  $5,972  $9,575  $(631) $72,020 
Interest income $351  $-  $649  $(631) $369 
Equity income from investees, before tax $-  $39,211  $1  $-  $39,212 
Gain on toll settlement $-  $148,402  $-  $-  $148,402 
Federal and state income tax expense (benefit) $58,299  $72,905  $(3,793) $-  $127,411 
Segment profit (loss) (1)
 $123,584  $117,176  $(5,992) $-  $234,768 
Additions to long-lived assets $397,301  $1,576  $1,181  $-  $400,058 
Equity investment in investees (2)
 $13,073  $73,648  $11  $-  $86,732 
Total segment assets (2)
 $3,795,205  $316,165  $401,663  $(351,623) $4,161,410 
(1) Reconciliation of segment profit to consolidated profit:
 Segment profit          $234,768     
(2) Balances as of December 31, 2010
 Unallocated items:             
  
Preferred dividends requirements, net of tax
       35     
  Net income applicable to common stock  $234,733     
Note 9 — Electric Customer Credits

Beginning in 2010, the amount of Cleco Power’s yearly retail earnings is subject to the terms of a FRP established by the LPSC.  The new rates and the FRP became effective upon commencement of commercial operations at Madison Unit 3 on February 12, 2010.  The 2010 FRP establishes a target return on equity and requires all or a portion of regulated earnings for each yearly review period above the targeted regulatory rate of return on equity to be credited to Cleco Power’s customers. The 2010 FRP allows Cleco Power the opportunity to earn a target return on equity of 10.7%, including returning to retail customers 60% of retail earnings between 11.3% and 12.3% and all retail earnings over 12.3%. The amount of credits due customers, if any, is determined by Cleco Power and the LPSC annually. The 2010 FRP established that Cleco Power file monitoring reports for both the 12 months ended June 30, 2010, and September 30, 2010, on or before October 31, 2010, and January 31, 2011, respectively. Beginning in 2011, Cleco Power will file annual monitoring reports no later than October 31 for the 12-month period ending June 30.
37

CLECO CORPORATION
CLECO POWER 
2011 3RD QUARTER FORM 10-Q
On October 29, 2010, Cleco Power filed its report for the 12 months ended June 30, 2010, which indicated that no refund was due for this period.  On January 28, 2011, Cleco
37

CLECO CORPORATION
CLECO POWER 
2011 2ND QUARTER FORM 10-Q
Power filed its report for the 12 months ended September 30, 2010, which indicated that $9.0 million was due to be returned to customers.  On June 23, 2011, the LPSC Staff completed its review of this report and determined that the results presented by Cleco Power in the September 30, 2010 filing were consistent with the terms of the 2010 FRP and that no changes were necessary.  Cleco Power will issueissued refunds for this filing to be included on customers’ bills in the third quarter of 2011.  On October 31, 2011, Cleco Power filed its report for the 12 months ended June 30, 2011, which indicated that $3.8 million was due to be returned to customers.  The ultimate amount of any customer refund is subject to LPSC approval.
The accrual for estimated electric customer credits reflected on Cleco and Cleco Power’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2011, reflect accruals for electric customer credits related to the 12 month period ended September 30, 2010, and estimated electric customer credits through the 12 month period ended June 30, 2011.  At June 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, the provision for rate refund was $14.9$3.9 million and $9.6 million, respectively.
 
Note 10 — Variable Interest Entities

Cleco reports its investments in VIEs in accordance with the authoritative guidance.  Cleco and Cleco Power report the investment in Oxbow on the equity method of accounting.  Under the equity method, the assets and liabilities of this entity are reported as equity investment in investees on Cleco and Cleco Power’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The revenue and expenses of this entity are netted and reported as equity income or loss from investees on Cleco and Cleco Power’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
Prior to April 30, 2011, Cleco Corporation also reported its investment in Cajun on the equity method of accounting.  In conjunction with the disposition of Acadia Unit 2, APH received 100% ownership in Acadia in exchange for its 50% interest in Cajun, and Acadia became a consolidated subsidiary of APH.
 
Consolidated VIEs
 
Acadia
In February 2009, Cleco Power announced that it had chosen the acquisition of Acadia Unit 1 as the lowest bid in its 2007 long-term RFP for capacity beginning in 2010.  Beginning in January 2010, Acadia operated the plant and served Cleco Power under a short-term tolling agreement covering Acadia Unit 1.  In February 2010, Cleco Power acquired Acadia Unit 1 and half of Acadia Power Station’s related common facilities and the tolling agreement was terminated.  In conjunction with this transaction, Acadia became 100% owned by Cajun, which prior to April 29, 2011, was 50% owned by APH and 50% owned by third parties.  For additional information regarding the Acadia Unit 1 transaction, see Note 15 — “Acadia Transactions — Acadia Unit 1.”
In October 2009, Acadia and Entergy Louisiana announced that definitive agreements had been executed whereby Entergy Louisiana would acquire Acadia Unit 2.  On April 29, 2011, Acadia completed its disposition of Acadia Unit 2 to Entergy Louisiana for $298.8 million.  Following the disposition, Acadia no longer owns any materials and supply inventory, property, plant and equipment, or land.  Acadia has minimal ongoing operations relating only to settling accounts receivable and accounts payable resulting from operations prior to the closing of the transaction and servicing indemnifications which Cleco assumed in the transaction.  In conjunction with the transaction, APH received 100% ownership in Acadia in exchange for its 50% interest in Cajun, and Acadia became a consolidated subsidiary of APH.  Cleco Power continues to operate both units at the Acadia Power Station.  For additional information on the Acadia Unit 2 transaction, see Note 15 — “Acadia Transactions — Acadia Unit 2.”
The following tables contain summarized financial information for Cajun prior to the disposition of Acadia Unit 2.

(THOUSANDS) AT DECEMBER 31, 2010  AT DECEMBER 31, 2010 
Current assets $7,133  $7,133 
Property, plant and equipment, net  203,793   203,793 
Total assets
 $210,926  $210,926 
Current liabilities $1,950  $1,950 
Other liabilities  9,429   9,429 
Partners’ (deficit) capital  199,547 
Partners’ capital  199,547 
Total liabilities and partners’ capital
 $210,926  $210,926 

 
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
 
(THOUSANDS) 2011* 2010 FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2010 
Operating revenue $50  $10,861  $31,883 
Operating expenses  1,133   13,291   30,566 
Gain on sale of assets  71,465   - 
Other income  57   172   3,671 
Income (loss) before taxes
 $70,439  $(2,258)
* The 2011 income statement includes activity prior to the April 29, 2011, reconsolidation.     
Income before taxes
 $4,988 

 
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
  
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
 
(THOUSANDS)  2011*  2010   2011*  2010 
Operating revenue $5,227  $14,625  $5,227  $46,508 
Operating expenses  5,914   23,454   5,914   54,011 
Gain on sale of assets  71,422   82,033   71,422   82,023 
Other income  929   229   929   3,902 
Income (loss) before taxes
 $71,664  $73,433 
* The 2011 income statement includes activity prior to the April 29, 2011, reconsolidation.     
Income before taxes
 $71,664  $78,422 
* The 2011 income statement includes only activity prior to the April 29, 2011, reconsolidation.* The 2011 income statement includes only activity prior to the April 29, 2011, reconsolidation. 
 
Other liabilities at December 31, 2010, represented an indemnification liability related to the Cleco Power transaction.  For additional information on Acadia’s indemnification liability, see Note 11 — “Litigation, Other Commitments and Contingencies, and Disclosures about Guarantees — Disclosures about Guarantees.”
Prior to the reconsolidation, income tax expenses related to Cajun were recorded on APH’s financial statements.  For the month of April 2011, income taxes related to Cajun on APH’s financial statements were $23.7 million, compared to a tax benefit of $0.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010.  For the four months ended April 30, 2011, income taxes related to Cajun on APH’s financial statements were $24.0 million, compared to $13.8 million formillion.  For the sixthree and nine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010.2010, tax expenses recorded on APH’s financial statements were $1.0 million and $14.8 million, respectively.
In connection with the Entergy Louisiana transaction, APH has agreed to indemnify the third partythird-party owners of Cajun and their affiliates against their share of Acadia’s contingent obligations related to the transaction.  For additional information on the Entergy Louisiana indemnification, see Note 11 — “Litigation, Other Commitments and Contingencies, and Disclosures about Guarantees — Disclosures about Guarantees.”
 
38

 
CLECO CORPORATION 
CLECO POWER       
2011 2ND3RD QUARTER FORM 10-Q
 
 
Equity Method VIEs
Equity investment in investees at JuneSeptember 30, 2011, primarily represented Cleco Power’s $13.1 million investment in Oxbow.  Equity investments which are less than 100% owned by Cleco Innovations LLC represented less than $0.1 million of the total balance.
The following table presents the equity income (loss) from each investment accounted for using the equity method.   

 
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
  
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
 
(THOUSANDS) 
2011
  
2010
  
2011
  
2010
 
Cajun $61,440  $(1,129) $-  $2,494 
Subsidiaries less than 100% owned by Cleco Innovations  -   -   (1)  - 
Total equity income
 $61,440  $(1,129)
Total equity (loss) income
 $(1) $2,494 

 
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
  
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
 
(THOUSANDS) 
2011
  
2010
  
2011
  
2010
 
Cajun $62,053  $36,717  $62,053  $39,211 
Subsidiaries less than 100% owned by Cleco Innovations  (1)  1   (2)  1 
Total equity income
 $62,052  $36,718  $62,051  $39,212 
 
As a result of the disposition of Acadia Unit 2, Cleco’s 50% share of income from Cajun included $26.2 million of equity income that represents the 2007 investment impairment charge of $45.9 million, partially offset by $19.7 million of interest capitalized interest during the construction of Acadia.  For additional information on the Acadia Unit 2 transaction, see Note 15 — “Acadia Transactions — Acadia Unit 2.”
 
Oxbow
Oxbow is owned 50% by Cleco Power and 50% by SWEPCO and is accounted for as an equity method investment.  Cleco Power is not the primary beneficiary because it shares the power to control Oxbow’s significant activities with SWEPCO.  Cleco’s current assessment of its maximum exposure to loss related to Oxbow at JuneSeptember 30, 2011, consisted of its equity investment of $13.1 million.  The table below presents the components of Cleco Power’s equity investment in Oxbow.

INCEPTION TO DATE (THOUSANDS) 
AT JUNE 30, 2011
  
AT DECEMBER 31, 2010
  AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2011  
AT DECEMBER 31, 2010
 
Purchase price $12,873  $12,873  $12,873  $12,873 
Cash contributions  200   200   200   200 
Total equity investment in investee
 $13,073  $13,073  $13,073  $13,073 
 
The following table compares the carrying amount of Oxbow’s assets and liabilities with Cleco’s maximum exposure to loss related to its investment in Oxbow.

(THOUSANDS) 
AT JUNE 30, 2011
  
AT DECEMBER 31, 2010
  AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2011  
AT DECEMBER 31, 2010
 
Oxbow’s net assets/liabilities $26,146  $26,146  $26,146  $26,146 
Cleco Power’s 50% equity $13,073  $13,073  $13,073  $13,073 
Cleco’s maximum exposure to loss $13,073  $13,073  $13,073  $13,073 
 
The following tables contain summarized financial information for Oxbow.

(THOUSANDS) 
AT JUNE 30, 2011
  
AT DECEMBER 31, 2010
  AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2011  
AT DECEMBER 31, 2010
 
Current assets $521  $583  $685  $583 
Property, plant and equipment, net  23,498   23,597   23,422   23,597 
Other assets  2,152   2,141   2,148   2,141 
Total assets
 $26,171  $26,321  $26,255  $26,321 
Current liabilities $25  $175  $36  $175 
Other liabilities  73   - 
Partners’ capital  26,146   26,146   26,146   26,146 
Total liabilities and partners’ capital
 $26,171  $26,321  $26,255  $26,321 

 
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
  
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
 
(THOUSANDS) 
2011
  
2010
  
2011
  
2010
 
Operating revenue $293  $225  $382  $245 
Operating expenses  293   225   382   245 
Income before taxes
 $-  $-  $-  $- 

 
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
  
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBBER 30,
 
(THOUSANDS) 
2011
  
2010
  
2011
  
2010
 
Operating revenue $498  $319  $880  $564 
Operating expenses  498   319   880   564 
Income before taxes
 $-  $-  $-  $- 
 
Oxbow’s property, plant and equipment, net consists of land and lignite reserves.  The lignite reserves are intended to be used to provide fuel to the Dolet Hills Power Station.  DHLC mines the lignite reserves at Oxbow through the Amended Lignite Mining Agreement.
Oxbow has no third-party agreements, guarantees, or other third-party commitments that contain obligations affecting Cleco Power’s investment in Oxbow.

Note 11 — Litigation, Other Commitments and Contingencies, and Disclosures about Guarantees

Litigation
 
Devil’s Swamp
In October 2007, Cleco received a Special Notice for Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study (RI/FS) from the EPA.  The special notice requested that Cleco Corporation and Cleco Power, along with many other listed PRPs, enter into negotiations with the EPA for the performance of an RI/FS at an area known as the Devil’s Swamp Lake site just northwest of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  The EPA has identified Cleco as one of many companies sending PCB wastes for disposal to the site.  The Devil’s Swamp Lake site has been proposed to be added to the National Priorities List (NPL) based on the release of PCBs to fisheries and wetlands located on the site.  The EPA has yet to make a final determination on whether to add Devil’s Swamp Lake site to the NPL.  The PRPs began discussing a potential proposal to the EPA in February 2008.  Negotiations among the PRPs and the EPA are ongoing in regard to the RI/FS for the Devil’s Swamp Lake site, with little progress having been made since February 2008.  Since this investigation is in the preliminary stages, management is unable to determine whether the costs associated with possible remediation of the facility site, if any, will have a material
 
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2011 2ND3RD QUARTER FORM 10-Q
 
 
adverse effect on the Registrants’ financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
 
Discrimination ComplaintComplaints
On December 11, 2009, a complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana (the Court) on behalf of eight current employees and four former employees alleging that Cleco discriminated against each of them on the basis of race.  Each is seeking various remedies provided under applicable statutes prohibiting racial discrimination in the workplace, and together, the plaintiffs seek monetary compensation exceeding $35.0 million.  On July 29, 2010, the plaintiffs moved to add an additional current employee alleging that Cleco had discriminated on the basis of race.  The plaintiff seeks compensation of no less than $2.5 million and became the thirteenth plaintiff.  On April 13, 2011, Cleco entered into a settlement with one of the current employees which resulted in a dismissal of one of the thirteen cases with prejudice.  Cleco is awaitingOn September 22, 2011 the Court’s decision as toCourt ruled on Cleco’s summary judgment motions that it has submittedhad been pending for the last year.  The judge granted and denied the motions in part, with respect to eachthe end result that eleven out of twelve of the other twelve cases.  No trial in this matter is currently scheduled.remaining plaintiffs have at least one claim remaining.  The Court has severed the cases of the eleven remaining plaintiffs for further discovery and proceedings, and if necessary, trial.  None of these matters have been set for trial.  In view of the uncertainty of the claims, management is not able to predict or give a reasonable estimate of the possible range, if any, of these claims.
On September 23, 2010, the New Orleans Field Office of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued its determination that there is reason to believe that violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 had occurred at one of Cleco’s training facilities on October 5, 2007.  In its initial determination, the EEOC suggested that Cleco pay the charging party $0.1 million in satisfaction of any compensatory or punitive damages.  Under EEOC procedures, Cleco pursued conciliation efforts to resolve the charge which resulted in a complete settlement with the charging party and the EEOC.  
 
City of Opelousas
On March 9, 2010, a complaint was filed in the 27th Judicial District Court of St. Landry Parish, State of Louisiana, on behalf of three Cleco Power customers in Opelousas, Louisiana.  The complaint alleges that Cleco Power overcharged the plaintiffs by applying to customers in Opelousas the same retail rates as Cleco Power applies to all of its retail customers.  The plaintiffs allege that Cleco Power should have established, solely for customers in Opelousas, retail rates that are separate and distinct from the retail rates that apply to other customers of Cleco Power and that Cleco Power should not collect from customers in Opelousas the storm surcharge approved by the LPSC following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.  Cleco Power currently operates in Opelousas pursuant to a franchise granted to Cleco Power by the City of Opelousas in 1986 and an operating and franchise agreement dated May 14, 1991, pursuant to which Cleco Power operates its own electric facilities and leases and operates electric facilities owned by the City of Opelousas.  In April 2010, Cleco Power filed a petition with the LPSC appealing to its expertise in declaring that the ratepayers of Opelousas have been properly charged the rates that are applicable to Cleco Power’s retail customers and that no overcharges have been collected.  In addition, Cleco Power removed the purported class action lawsuit filed on behalf of Opelousas electric customers from the state court to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana in April 2010, so that it could be properly addressed under the terms of the Class Action Fairness Act.  On May 11, 2010, a second class action lawsuit was filed in the 27th Judicial District Court of St. Landry Parish, State of Louisiana, repeating the allegations of the first complaint, which was submitted on behalf of 249 Opelousas residents.  Cleco Power has responded in the same manner as with the first class action lawsuit.  On September 29, 2010, the federal court remanded both cases to the state court in which they were originally filed for further proceedings.  On January 21, 2011, the presiding judge in the state court proceeding ruled that the jurisdiction to hear the two class actions resides in the state court and not with the LPSC as argued by both Cleco and the LPSC Staff.  Both Cleco and the LPSC Staff appealed this ruling to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals for the State of Louisiana (Third Circuit).  On September 9, 2011, the Third Circuit denied both appeals.  On October 10, 2011, both Cleco and await a decision by such court.the LPSC appealed the Third Circuit’s ruling to the Louisiana Supreme Court.  On February 7, 2011, the administrative law judge in the LPSC proceeding ruled that the LPSC has jurisdiction to decide the claims raised by the class action plaintiffs.  The customers have not stated an amount of overcharges they seek to recover.  In view of the uncertainty of the claims, management is not able to predict or give a reasonable estimate of the possible range, if any, of these claims.
 
Madison Unit 3
In August 2005, Cleco Power entered into an EPC contract with Shaw to construct Madison Unit 3.  Construction of Madison Unit 3 began in May 2006.  In May 2006, Cleco Power and Shaw entered into an Amended EPC Contract, which contract has subsequently been amended by the parties.  The project achieved commercial operations on February 12, 2010, whereby Cleco Power accepted care, custody, and control of the unit.  Shaw has not reached project completion under the contract, as various performance tests, the reliability test, and specified boiler performance criteria have not been met.  Shaw must correct identified items, complete performance guarantee tests, meet a 30-day reliability performance test, and correct warranty issues to meet final acceptance by August 11, 2011, or pay certain liquidated damages and financially settle incomplete work.  Cleco Power and Shaw have submitted various claims, relating to the Amended EPC Contract, to arbitration.  On April 30, 2010, Shaw filed a demand for arbitration asserting claims of $32.0 million including impacts due to the 2008 hurricane force majeure, alleged excess fuel moisture, intake water quality and a river embankment slope failure, and the associated recovery of schedule related liquidated damages withheld by Cleco Power.  In May 2010, Cleco Power issued to Shaw a notice of default relating to Shaw’s inability to meet certain material obligations under the Amended EPC Contract.  Furthermore, as a result of Shaw filing the demand for arbitration, certain claims exceeded a $1.0 million threshold, triggering an unwind of certain fuel-related matters included in a prior settlement between the parties, Amendment No. 4, and
 
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unwind of certain fuel related matters included in a prior settlement between the parties, Amendment No. 4, and Cleco demanded an associated payment of $19.0 million.  In February 2011, Cleco drew on the Shaw letter of credit in an amount of $19.0 million for amounts relating to the unwind.  Shaw has amended its demand for arbitration to contest the unwind, and is seeking recovery of such amounts in the on-going arbitration proceedings.  Under the arbitration proceedings, Cleco has also filed compulsory counterclaims for liquidated damages associated with Shaw’s inability to meet various guarantees or remedy warranty claims associated with boiler performance burning petroleum coke.  Certain of these matters were argued in arbitration hearings which concluded on June 8, 2011.  On June 24, 2011, Cleco and Shaw each submitted their proposed resolutions to all of the matters in dispute in this arbitration proceeding.  Shaw submitted that Cleco owesowed $32.5 million in satisfaction of all of such matters.  Cleco submitted that it only owesowed Shaw $4.0 million.  AsOn August 5, 2011, the arbitrator announced his decision in favor of June 30,Shaw’s claims of Cleco Power owing Shaw $32.5 million (including the return of the amounts drawn on Shaw’s letter of credit).  Cleco Power paid this amount on August 22, 2011, Cleco had accrued $4.0 million related to its proposed resolution.which was included as a cost of Madison Unit 3 and reflected as property, plant and equipment.  
Shaw has not reached project completion as defined in the Amended EPC Contract, as various performance tests, the reliability test, and specified boiler performance criteria have not been met.  Under the Amended EPC Contract, Shaw must correct the arbitrator is requiredidentified items, complete the performance guarantee tests, meet a 30-day reliability performance test, and correct certain warranty issues to select onemeet final acceptance, or pay certain liquidated damages and financially settle incomplete work.  The disputed items relating to the liquidated damages for Shaw’s inability to meet performance guarantees, as well as for completion of these two amountsminor or warranty work, were bifurcated from the arbitration proceedings and is expected to announce his decision by August 8, 2011.  remain outstanding.  These matters may be resolved through a second arbitration proceeding or potentially settled.
 
LPSC Fuel Audit
The LPSC is currently auditing Cleco Power’s fuel expenditures for the years 2003 through 2008 which includes approximately $3.2 billion of fuel expenses.  Cleco Power has responded to several sets of data requests and the responses are currently under review.  The LPSC has not stated an amount of the fuel costs, if any, that would be disallowed and result in a refund to Cleco Power’s customers.  As such, management is not able to predict or give a reasonable estimate of the possible range of the disallowance, if any, related to this audit as of June 30, 2011.audit.  However, if a disallowance of fuel costs is ordered resulting in a refund, any such refund could have a material adverse effect on the Registrants’ results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows.
 
Other
Cleco is involved in various litigation matters, including regulatory, environmental, and administrative proceedings before various courts, regulatory commissions, arbitrators, and governmental agencies regarding matters arising in the ordinary course of business.  The liability Cleco may ultimately incur with respect to any one of these matters in the event of a negative outcome may be in excess of amounts currently accrued.  Management regularly analyzes current information and, as of JuneSeptember 30, 2011, believes the range of probable and reasonably estimable liabilities based on the eventual disposition of these matters is between $2.0 million and $17.0$6.0 million.  
 
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 and Cleco Power also 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 the authoritative guidance.  
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 Corporation’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets because management has 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.  Cleco’s off-balance sheet commitments as of JuneSeptember 30, 2011, 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, 2011
     
AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2011
 
 
FACE
     
NET
  
FACE
     
NET
 
(THOUSANDS) 
AMOUNT
  
REDUCTIONS
  
AMOUNT
  
AMOUNT
  
REDUCTIONS
  
AMOUNT
 
Cleco Corporation                  
Guarantee issued to Entergy Mississippi on behalf of Attala  500   -   500  $500  $-  $500 
Cleco Power                        
Obligations under standby letter of credit issued to the Louisiana Department of Labor  3,725   -   3,725   3,725   -   3,725 
Total
 $4,225   -  $4,225  $4,225  $-  $4,225 
 
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.
Acadia provided limited guarantees and indemnifications to Cleco Power under the Master Reorganization and Redemption Agreement related to the acquisition of Acadia Unit 1 and half of Acadia Power Station’s related common facilities in February 2010.  In connection with this transaction, Acadia became 100% owned by Cajun.  Prior to April 29, 2011, Cleco Corporation reported the investment in Cajun on the equity method of accounting and therefore APH’s 50% portion of the indemnity was off-balance sheet.  On April 29, 2011, in
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conjunction with the disposition of Acadia Unit 2, APH received 100% ownership in Acadia in exchange for its 50% interest in Cajun, and Acadia became a consolidated subsidiary of APH.
Acadia and Entergy Services entered into an amended capacity sale and fuel conversion services agreement on June 30, 2010, with an effective date of October 1, 2010.  In conjunction with the agreement, Cleco Corporation provided to Entergy Louisiana a limited guarantee, in an amount not to exceed $10.0 million, for certain performance obligations by
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Acadia under the agreement.  On April 29, 2011, the agreement and the related guarantee terminated as a result of the Acadia Unit 2 transaction.  For additional information regarding this transaction, see Note 15 — “Acadia Transactions — Acadia Unit 2.”
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 $3.7 million letter of credit, an amount equal to 110% of the average losses over the previous three years, as surety.
 
Disclosures about Guarantees
Cleco Corporation provided a limited guarantee and an indemnification 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 in 2004.  This is a continuing guarantee and all obligations of Cleco Corporation shall continue until the guaranteed obligations have been fully performed or otherwise extinguished.  The discounted probability-weighted liability under the guarantees and indemnifications recognized on Cleco Corporation’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of JuneSeptember 30, 2011, was $0.2 million.  The maximum amount of the potential payment to Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Gulf States is $42.4 million.  Currently, management does not expect to be required to pay Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Gulf States under the guarantee.
In February 2010, Cleco Power acquired Acadia Unit 1 and half of Acadia Power Station’s related common facilities. Acadia provided limited guarantees and indemnifications to Cleco Power under the Master Reorganization and Redemption Agreement.  The maximum amount of the potential payment to Cleco Power for indemnifications is $30.0 million, except for the indemnifications relating to the fundamental organizational structure of Acadia against which there is no maximum amount.  Cleco Corporation is obligated to pay a maximum of $10.0 million if Acadia is unable to pay claims to Cleco Power pursuant to the guarantee.  Acadia recorded an indemnification liability and a corresponding reduction of the gain of $13.5 million which represents the fair value of these indemnifications.  In a related agreement, APH agreed to accept 50% of Acadia’s indemnification liability that would be held by the third parties who indirectly owned 50% of Acadia in return for $6.8 million received from the third parties.  The $6.8 million was recorded as an indemnification liability by APH.  Events that would require payments to Cleco Power pursuant to the indemnity include, but are not limited to:
 
§  Environmental costs that were caused by events occurring before the closing of the transaction;
§  Claims against Cleco Power for liabilities retained by Acadia;
§  Certain conditions of Acadia Unit 1 that were discovered prior to September 30, 2010; and
§  Breach of fundamental representations of Acadia, such as legal existence, ownership of Acadia Unit 1, and valid authorization to dispose of Acadia Unit 1.
 
Acadia and APH will be released fromreduce the underlying indemnification liabilities either through expiration of the contractual life or through a reduction in the probability of a claim arising.  The indemnification obligation is expected to have a term of approximately three years, which reflects both contractual expiration of the underlying indemnifications and management’s assumptions about the decreasing probability of a payment due to the passage of time.  After the three-year period, a residual value of less than $0.1 million will remain.  At JuneSeptember 30, 2011, Acadia had an indemnification liability of $8.4$7.6 million, which represents the risk of payment, as a contingent sale obligation recorded on Cleco Corporation’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.  APH recognized no income for the three months ended September 30, 2011, and $0.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, primarily due to the contractual expiration of the underlying indemnification.  During the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2011, APHAcadia recognized income of less than $0.1$1.0 million and $0.5$1.1 million, respectively, primarily due to the contractual expiration of the underlying indemnification.  Acadia recognized income of $0.1 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, primarily due to the contractual expiration of the underlying indemnification.
On April 29, 2011, Acadia completed its disposition of Acadia Unit 2 and Acadia Power Station’s remaining common facilities to Entergy Louisiana.  Following the disposition, Acadia no longer owns any materials and supply inventory, property, plant and equipment, or land.  Ongoing operations are minimal relating only to the previously established receivables and payables and servicing of indemnities.  Acadia provided limited guarantees and indemnifications to Entergy Louisiana and recorded an indemnification liability and a corresponding reduction of the gain of $21.8 million, which represents the fair value of these indemnifications.  APH agreed to indemnify the third partythird-party owners of Cajun and their affiliates against 50% of Acadia’s liabilities and other obligations related to the Acadia Unit 2 transaction in exchange for $10.9 million received from the third parties.  The $10.9 million was recorded as an indemnification liability by APH.  In conjunction with the disposition of Acadia Unit 2, APH received 100% ownership in Acadia in exchange for its 50% interest in Cajun, and Acadia became a consolidated subsidiary of APH.  Events that would require payments to Entergy Louisiana pursuant to the indemnity include, but are not limited to:
 
§  Environmental costs that were caused by events occurring before the closing of the transaction;
§  Claims against Entergy Louisiana for liabilities retained by Acadia;
§  Certain conditions of Acadia Unit 2 that were discovered prior to April 2011;September 30, 2010; and
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§  Breach of fundamental representations of Acadia, such as legal existence, ownership of Acadia Unit 2, and valid authorization to dispose of Acadia Unit 2.
 
Acadia and APH will be released fromreduce the underlying indemnification liabilities either through expiration of the contractual life or through a reduction in the probability of a claim
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arising.  The indemnification obligation is expected to have a term of three years, which reflects both contractual expiration of the underlying indemnifications and management’s assumptions about the decreasing probability of a payment due to the passage of time.  After the three-year period, a residual value of approximately $0.2 million will remain.  At JuneSeptember 30, 2011, Acadia had an indemnification liability of $21.8 million, which represents the risk of payment, as a contingent sale obligation recorded on Cleco Corporation’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.  The maximum amount of the potential payment to Entergy Louisiana for the indemnifications is the purchase price of $298.8 million, except for the liabilities retained by Acadia, for which there is no maximum amount.  Cleco Corporation is obligated to pay the same maximum amounts as Acadia if Acadia is unable to pay claims to Entergy Louisiana pursuant to the guarantee.  
As part of the Lignite Mining Agreement amended in 2009, 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 JuneSeptember 30, 2011, Cleco Power had a liability of $3.8 million related to the amended agreement.  The maximum projected payment by Cleco Power under this guarantee is estimated to be $72.5 million; however, the Amended Lignite Mining Agreement does not contain a cap.  The projection is based on the forecasted loan and lease obligations to be incurred by DHLC, primarily for purchases of equipment.  Cleco Power has the right to dispute the incurrence of loan and lease obligations through the review of the mining plan before the incurrence of such loan and lease obligations.  The Amended Lignite Mining Agreement does not terminate pursuant to its terms until 2026 and does not affect the amount the Registrants can borrow under their credit facilities.  Currently, management does not expect to be required to pay DHLC under the guarantee.
The following table summarizes the expected termination dates of the off-balance sheet commitments and on-balance sheet guarantees discussed above:

          
AT JUNE 30, 2011
           
AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2011
 
    
AMOUNT OF COMMITMENT EXPIRATION PER PERIOD
     
AMOUNT OF COMMITMENT EXPIRATION PER PERIOD
 
 
NET
           
MORE
  
NET
           
MORE
 
 
AMOUNT
  
LESS THAN
        
THAN
  
AMOUNT
  
LESS THAN
        
THAN
 
(THOUSANDS) 
COMMITTED
  
ONE YEAR
  
1-3 YEARS
  
3-5 YEARS
  
5 YEARS
  
COMMITTED
  
ONE YEAR
  
1-3 YEARS
  
3-5 YEARS
  
5 YEARS
 
Off-balance sheet commitments $4,225  $3,725  $-  $-  $500  $4,225  $3,725  $-  $-  $500 
On-balance sheet guarantees  34,249   -   30,243   -   4,006   33,449   -   29,443   -   4,006 
Total
 $38,474  $3,725  $30,243  $-  $4,506  $37,674  $3,725  $29,443  $-  $4,506 
 
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.
Generally, neither Cleco Corporation nor Cleco Power has recourse that would enable them to recover amounts paid under their guarantee or indemnification obligations.  The one exception is the insurance 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 or indemnification obligations.
 
Other Commitments
 
Acadia Transactions
In February 2009, Cleco Power announced that it had chosen the acquisition of Acadia Unit 1 as the lowest bid in its 2007 long-term RFP for capacity beginning in 2010.  Beginning in January 2010, Acadia operated the plant and served Cleco Power under a short-term tolling agreement covering Acadia Unit 1.  In February 2010, the transaction closed and the tolling agreement was terminated.  For additional information regarding the Cleco Power transaction, see Note 15 — “Acadia Transactions — Acadia Unit 1.”
In October 2009, Acadia and Entergy Louisiana announced that definitive agreements had been executed whereby Entergy Louisiana would acquire Acadia Unit 2.  A capacity sale and fuel conversion services agreement between Acadia and Entergy Louisiana began in June 2010.  Effective October 1, 2010, this agreement was subject to a $10.0 million guarantee by Cleco Corporation.  For additional information regarding this guarantee, please refer to “— Off-Balance Sheet Commitments” above.  On April 29, 2011, the transaction closed and the agreement terminated.  Cleco Power will continue to operate both units at the Acadia Power Station.  In connection with this transaction and in exchange for reasonable consideration, APH has indemnified the third-partythird-
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party owners of Cajun and their affiliates against their 50% of Acadia’s liabilities and other obligations related to the Entergy Louisiana transaction.  For additional information on the Acadia Unit 2 transaction, see Note 15 — “Acadia Transactions — Acadia Unit 2.”
 
Risks and Uncertainties
Cleco Corporation
Cleco Corporation could be subject to possible adverse consequences if Cleco’s counterparties fail to perform their
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obligations or if Cleco Corporation or its affiliates are not in compliance with loan agreements or bond indentures.  
Evangeline 2010 Tolling Agreement
JPMorgan Chase & Co. guarantees JPMVEC’s obligations under the Evangeline 2010 Tolling Agreement.  For additional information regarding this tolling agreement, see Note 14 — “Evangeline Transactions.”
Other
Access to capital markets is a significant source of funding for both short- and long-term capital requirements not satisfied by operating cash flows.  Market conditions during the past few years have limited the availability and have increased the costs of capital for many companies.  The inability to raise capital on favorable terms could negatively affect Cleco Corporation’s and Cleco Power’s ability to maintain and expand their businesses.  After assessing the current operating performance, liquidity, and credit ratings of Cleco, management believes that Cleco will have access to the capital markets at prevailing market rates for companies with comparable credit ratings.  If Cleco Corporation’s credit ratings were to be downgraded by Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s, Cleco Corporation would be required to pay additional fees and higher interest rates under its bank credit and other debt agreements.
Changes in the regulatory environment or market forces could cause Cleco to determine its assets have suffered an other-than-temporary decline in value, whereby an impairment would be required to be taken and Cleco’s financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
Cleco Power
Cleco Power supplies the majority 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 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.  Due to 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.
Access to capital markets is a significant source of funding for both short- and long-term capital requirements not satisfied by operating cash flows.  Market conditions during the past few years have limited the availability and have increased the costs of capital for many companies.  The inability to raise capital on favorable terms could negatively affect Cleco Power’s ability to maintain and expand its businesses.  After assessing the current operating performance, liquidity, and credit ratings of Cleco Power, management believes that Cleco Power will have access to the capital markets at prevailing market rates for companies with comparable credit ratings.  Cleco Power pays fees and interest under its bank credit agreements based on the highest rating held.  If Cleco Power’s credit ratings were to be downgraded by Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s, Cleco Power would be required to pay additional fees and higher interest rates under its bank credit agreements.  Cleco Power’s collateral for derivatives is based on the lowest rating held.  If Cleco Power’s credit ratings were to be downgraded by Moody’s or Standard & Poor’s, Cleco Power would be required to pay additional collateral for derivatives.
In August 2005, Cleco Power entered into an EPC contract with Shaw to construct Madison Unit 3.  In May 2006, Cleco Power and Shaw entered into an Amended EPC Contract.  Under the terms of the Amended EPC Contract until final acceptance of Madison Unit 3, 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 12 — LPSC Fuel Audit

The LPSC Fuel Adjustment Clause General Order issued November 6, 1997, in Docket No. U-21497 provides that an audit of fuel adjustment clause filings will be performed not less than every other year.  Cleco Power’s last fuel audit was for the years 2001 and 2002.  Cleco Power currently has fuel adjustment clause filings for 2003 through 2010 subject to audit.  In March 2009, the LPSC proceeded with the audit of fuel adjustment clause filings for the years 2003 through 2008.  The total amount of fuel expenses included in the audit is approximately $3.2 billion.  Cleco Power has responded to several data requests from the LPSC.  These responses are currently under review by the LPSC.  The LPSC has not stated an amount of the fuel costs, if any, that would be disallowed and result in a refund to the customers.  Management is not able to predict or give a reasonable estimate of the possible range of the disallowance, if any, related to this audit as of June 30, 2011.  However, if a disallowance of fuel costs is ordered resulting in a refund, any such refund could have a material adverse effect on the Registrants’ results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows.
Note 13 — Affiliate Transactions

At June 30, 2011, Cleco Corporation had no affiliate balances that were payable to or due from its affiliates.
Cleco Power has affiliate balances that are payable to or due from its affiliates.  At June 30, 2011, the payable to Support Group was $6.9 million, the payable to Cleco Corporation was $1.0 million, and the payable to other affiliates was less than $0.1 million.  Also, at June 30, 2011, the receivable from Support Group was $2.3 million, the receivable from Cleco Corporation was $0.1 million, and the receivable from other affiliates was $0.1 million.
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Note 14 — Evangeline Transactions

On February 22, 2010, Evangeline and JPMVEC entered into the Evangeline Restructuring Agreement whereby the parties agreed to terminate the existing Evangeline Tolling Agreement and entered into the Evangeline 2010 Tolling Agreement, effective March 1, 2010.  The other significant terms of the Evangeline Restructuring Agreement are:
§  The tolling agreement is a market-based tolling agreement, for Coughlin Units 6 and 7, ending December 31, 2011, with an option for JPMVEC to extend the term through December 31, 2012.  The agreement also gives Evangeline the right to terminate its Coughlin Unit 6 obligations prior to the expiration of the term.  JPMVEC did not exercise the option to extend the tolling agreement;
§  $126.6 million of Evangeline’s 8.82% Senior Secured bonds due 2019, owned by JPMVEC, were transferred to Evangeline and subsequently retired; and $5.3 million of accrued interest associated with the bonds transferred to Evangeline was eliminated;
§  JPMVEC paid Evangeline $56.7 million;
§  JPMVEC returned Cleco Corporation’s $15.0 million letter of credit issued under the Evangeline Tolling Agreement and the letter of credit was cancelled; and
§  Evangeline recorded a gain of $148.4 million.
 The termination of the Evangeline Tolling Agreement was considered a termination of an operating lease and a triggering event requiring an asset impairment analysis.  Management made assumptions about expected future cash flows, long-term interest rates, estimates about the probability of the occurrence of future events, and estimates of market values of assets without a readily observable market price.  An impairment charge was not recorded since the undiscounted expected future net cash flows exceeded the carrying value of Evangeline’s property, plant and equipment.  Due to the lack of a long-term agreement, the expected future net cash flows of Evangeline are subject to an increased potential for variability as compared to prior years.  Consequently, future impairment tests could occur more frequently and might result in an impairment charge.
Under the terms of the Evangeline Restructuring Agreement, Evangeline issued an irrevocable redemption notice to redeem the remaining $35.2 million of 8.82% Senior Secured bonds outstanding pursuant to their terms on February 25, 2010, and paid the debtholders $1.5 million of accrued interest and a $10.2 million make-whole payment.  As a result of the debt retirement, Evangeline expensed $2.1 million in unamortized debt issuance costs associated with the Evangeline bonds.  The Evangeline bonds were non-recourse to Cleco Corporation and redemption of the bonds was permitted under Cleco Corporation’s revolving credit facility.  Upon the redemption of the bonds, $30.1 million of restricted cash was released to Evangeline.  
The impacts of these transactions are reflected in the Midstream segment, which includes Evangeline.  In accordance with the authoritative guidance, effective January 1, 2010, the financial results for Evangeline are no longer presented as equity income (loss), but presented in the corresponding line items in the consolidated financials of Midstream.
Note 15 — Acadia Transactions

Acadia Unit 1
In February 2010, Cleco Power completed the acquisition of Acadia Unit 1 and half of Acadia Power Station’s related common facilities.  Cleco Power and the parties executed the definitive agreements in 2009, and received LPSC and FERC approvals for the transaction in January 2010 and February 2010, respectively.  The significant terms of the transaction were:
§  Cleco Power acquired Acadia Unit 1 and half of the common facilities for $304.0 million;
§  Cleco Power recognized $78.4 million of deferred taxes on the transaction;  
§  Acadia recognized a gain of $82.0 million;
§  APH received $6.8 million from third-parties in return for APH’s indemnification against the third parties’ 50% share of Acadia’s liabilities and other obligations related to the Cleco Power transaction; and
§  Cleco Power owns and operates Acadia Unit 1.  Prior to April 29, 2011, Cleco Power operated Acadia Unit 2 on behalf of Acadia.  On April 29, 2011, Acadia completed its disposition of Acadia Unit 2 to Entergy Louisiana.  Cleco Power now operates Acadia Unit 2 on behalf of Entergy Louisiana.  
Acadia Unit 2
On April 29, 2011, Acadia completed its disposition of Acadia Unit 2 and Acadia Power Station’s remaining common facilities to Entergy Louisiana.  The significant terms of the transaction were:
§  Entergy Louisiana acquired Acadia Unit 2 for $298.8 million;
§  In exchange for $10.9 million, APH indemnified the third-party owners of Cajun and their affiliates against 50% of Acadia’s liabilities and other obligations related to the Acadia Unit 2 transaction;
§  APH recognized a gain of $62.0 million, which included $26.2 million of equity income that represents the 2007 investment impairment charge of $45.9 million, partially offset by $19.7 million of capitalized interest during the construction of Acadia;
§  APH received 100% ownership in Acadia in exchange for its 50% interest in Cajun, and Acadia became a consolidated subsidiary of APH; and
§  Cleco Power operates Acadia Unit 2 on behalf of Entergy Louisiana.
Following the transaction, ongoing operations at Acadia are minimal, relating only to the previously established accounts receivable and accounts payable and servicing of
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indemnities.  Therefore, Acadia does not meet the definition of a business.
Note 16 — Subsequent Event

New Markets Tax Credits
In August 2008, Cleco Corporation acquired a 99.9% membership interest in U.S. Bank New Markets Tax Credit Fund 2008-1 LLC (Fund).  The Fund was formed by U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation (USBCDC).  The purpose of the Fund is to invest in projects located in qualified active low-income communities that are underserved by typical debt capital markets.  These investments are designed to generate new markets tax credits and historical rehabilitation tax credits.
In July 2011, the operating agreement of the U.S. Bank New Markets Tax Credit Fund 2008-1 LLC (the fund) was amended to facilitate investments in Section 1603 grant qualifying renewable energy projects and to adjust the guaranteed performance targets that the fundFund is obligated to provide to Cleco.  U.S. Bank guarantees the cash flow and net present value of the Fund.  U.S. Bank is the parent company of the managing member of the Fund.
The tax benefits received from the fundFund reduce the federal income tax obligations of Cleco.Cleco Corporation.  In total, Cleco Corporation will makecontribute $286.3 million of equity contributions to the fundFund and will receive at least $304.6 million of net tax benefits and cash from the inception of the investment in 2008 over the life of the investment, which ends in 2018.  The $18.3 million difference between equity contributions and total benefits received will be recognized over the life of the Fund as net tax benefits are delivered.  The following table reflects remaining future equity contributions.

(THOUSANDS) 
CONTRIBUTION
  
CONTRIBUTION
 
Six months ending December 31, 2011 $25,442 
Three months ending December 31, 2011 $11,508 
Years ending December 31,        
2012
  76,629   76,629 
2013
  36,225   36,225 
2014
  22,927   22,927 
2015
  21,904   21,904 
Thereafter
  20,808   20,808 
Total
 $203,935  $190,001 
 
Of the $203.9$190.0 million, $62.5$69.6 million is due to be paid within the next twelve months.  Due to the right of offset, the investment and associated debt are presented on Cleco Corporation’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet in the line item titled tax credit fund investment, net.  The amount of tax benefits delivered in excess of capital contributions as of JuneSeptember 30, 2011 is $71.8was $78.0 million.  The amount of tax benefits received but not utilized as of JuneSeptember 30, 2011 is $62.6was $63.6 million and is reflected as a deferred tax asset.
The equity contribution does not contain a stated rate of interest.  Cleco Corporation has recorded the liability and investment at its calculated fair value within the framework of the authoritative guidance.  In order to calculate the fair value, management used an imputed rate of interest assuming that Cleco Corporation obtained financing of a similar nature from a third-party.  The imputed interest rate was used in a net present value model in order to calculate the fair value of the remaining portion of the delayed equity contributions.  The table below contains the disclosures required by the authoritative guidelines for equity investments with an imputed interest rate.
(THOUSANDS)   
Equity contributions, imputed interest rate 6%   
Principal payment schedule above:
 $190,001 
Less:  unamortized discount
  22,098 
Total $167,903 
The gross investment amortization expense will be recognized over a ten-year period, with seven years remaining, using the cost method in accordance with the authoritative guidance for investments.
Risks and Uncertainties
Cleco Corporation
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.  
Evangeline 2010 Tolling Agreement
JPMorgan Chase & Co. guarantees JPMVEC’s obligations under the Evangeline 2010 Tolling Agreement.  For additional information regarding this tolling agreement, see Note 14 — “Evangeline Transactions.”
Other
Access to capital markets is a significant source of funding for both short- and long-term capital requirements not satisfied by operating cash flows.  After assessing the current operating performance, liquidity, and credit ratings of Cleco, management believes that Cleco will have access to the capital markets at prevailing market rates for companies with comparable credit ratings.  If Cleco Corporation’s credit ratings were to be downgraded by Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s, Cleco Corporation would be required to pay additional fees and higher interest rates under its bank credit and other debt agreements.
Changes in the regulatory environment or market forces could cause Cleco to determine its assets have suffered an other-than-temporary decline in value, whereby an impairment would be required to be taken and Cleco’s financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
Cleco Power
Cleco Power supplies the majority 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 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.  Due to its location on the transmission grid, Cleco Power relies on two main suppliers of electric
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2011 3RD QUARTER FORM 10-Q
 
 
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.
Access to capital markets is a significant source of funding for both short- and long-term capital requirements not satisfied by operating cash flows.  After assessing the current operating performance, liquidity, and credit ratings of Cleco Power, management believes that Cleco Power will have access to the capital markets at prevailing market rates for companies with comparable credit ratings.  Cleco Power pays fees and interest under its bank credit agreements based on the highest rating held.  If Cleco Power’s credit ratings were to be downgraded by Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s, Cleco Power would be required to pay additional fees and higher interest rates under its bank credit agreements.  Cleco Power’s collateral for derivatives is based on the lowest rating held.  If Cleco Power’s credit ratings were to be downgraded by Moody’s or Standard & Poor’s, Cleco Power would be required to pay additional collateral for derivatives.
In August 2005, Cleco Power entered into an EPC contract with Shaw to construct Madison Unit 3.  In May 2006, Cleco Power and Shaw entered into an Amended EPC Contract.  Under the terms of the Amended EPC Contract until final acceptance of Madison Unit 3, 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 12 — LPSC Fuel Audit

The LPSC Fuel Adjustment Clause General Order issued November 6, 1997, in Docket No. U-21497 provides that an audit of fuel adjustment clause filings will be performed not less than every other year.  Cleco Power’s last fuel audit was for the years 2001 and 2002.  Cleco Power currently has fuel adjustment clause filings for 2003 through 2010 subject to audit.  In March 2009, the LPSC proceeded with the audit of fuel adjustment clause filings for the years 2003 through 2008.  The total amount of fuel expenses included in the audit is approximately $3.2 billion.  Cleco Power has responded to several data requests from the LPSC.  These responses are currently under review by the LPSC.  The LPSC has not stated an amount of the fuel costs, if any, that would be disallowed and result in a refund to the customers.  Management is not able to predict or give a reasonable estimate of the possible range of the disallowance, if any, related to this audit.  However, if a disallowance of fuel costs is ordered resulting in a refund, any such refund could have a material adverse effect on the Registrants’ results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows.
Note 13 — Affiliate Transactions

At September 30, 2011, Cleco Corporation had no affiliate balances that were payable to or due from its non-consolidated affiliates.
Cleco Power has affiliate balances that are payable to or due from its affiliates.  At September 30, 2011, the payable to Support Group was $6.4 million, the payable to Cleco Corporation was $0.9 million, and the payable to other affiliates was less than $0.1 million.  Also, at September 30, 2011, the receivable from Support Group was $2.7 million, the receivable from Midstream was $0.1 million, and the receivable from other affiliates was less than $0.1 million.
Note 14 — Evangeline Transactions

On February 22, 2010, Evangeline and JPMVEC entered into the Evangeline Restructuring Agreement whereby the parties agreed to terminate the existing Evangeline Tolling Agreement and entered into the Evangeline 2010 Tolling Agreement, effective March 1, 2010.  The other significant terms of the Evangeline Restructuring Agreement are:
§  The tolling agreement is a market-based tolling agreement, for Coughlin Units 6 and 7, ending December 31, 2011, with an option for JPMVEC to extend the term through December 31, 2012.  The agreement also gives Evangeline the right to terminate its Coughlin Unit 6 obligations prior to the expiration of the term.  JPMVEC did not exercise the option to extend the tolling agreement;
§  $126.6 million of Evangeline’s 8.82% Senior Secured bonds due 2019, owned by JPMVEC, were transferred to Evangeline and subsequently retired; and $5.3 million of accrued interest associated with the bonds transferred to Evangeline was eliminated;
§  JPMVEC paid Evangeline $56.7 million;
§  JPMVEC returned Cleco Corporation’s $15.0 million letter of credit issued under the Evangeline Tolling Agreement and the letter of credit was cancelled; and
§  Evangeline recorded a gain of $148.4 million.
The termination of the Evangeline Tolling Agreement was considered a termination of an operating lease and a triggering event requiring an asset impairment analysis.  Management made assumptions about expected future cash flows, long-term interest rates, estimates about the probability of the occurrence of future events, and estimates of market values of assets without a readily observable market price.  An impairment charge was not recorded since the undiscounted expected future net cash flows exceeded the carrying value of Evangeline’s property, plant and equipment.  Due to the lack of a long-term agreement, the expected future net cash flows of Evangeline are subject to an increased potential for variability as compared to prior years.  Consequently, future impairment tests could occur more frequently and might result in an impairment charge.
Under the terms of the Evangeline Restructuring Agreement, Evangeline issued an irrevocable redemption notice to redeem the remaining $35.2 million of 8.82% Senior Secured
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bonds outstanding pursuant to their terms on February 25, 2010, and paid the debtholders $1.5 million of accrued interest and a $10.2 million make-whole payment.  As a result of the debt retirement, Evangeline expensed $2.1 million in unamortized debt issuance costs associated with the Evangeline bonds.  The Evangeline bonds were non-recourse to Cleco Corporation and redemption of the bonds was permitted under Cleco Corporation’s revolving credit facility.  Upon the redemption of the bonds, $30.1 million of restricted cash was released to Evangeline.  
The impacts of these transactions are reflected in the Midstream segment, which includes Evangeline.  In accordance with the authoritative guidance, effective January 1, 2010, the financial results for Evangeline are no longer presented as equity income (loss), but presented in the corresponding line items in the consolidated financials of Midstream.
Note 15 — Acadia Transactions

Acadia Unit 1
In February 2010, Cleco Power completed the acquisition of Acadia Unit 1 and half of Acadia Power Station’s related common facilities.  Cleco Power and the parties executed the definitive agreements in 2009, and received LPSC and FERC approvals for the transaction in January 2010 and February 2010, respectively.  The significant terms of the transaction were:
§  Cleco Power acquired Acadia Unit 1 and half of the common facilities for $304.0 million;
§  Cleco Power recognized $78.4 million of deferred taxes on the transaction;  
§  Acadia recognized a gain of $82.0 million;
§  APH received $6.8 million from third-parties in return for APH’s indemnification against the third parties’ 50% share of Acadia’s liabilities and other obligations related to the Cleco Power transaction; and
§  Cleco Power owns and operates Acadia Unit 1.  Prior to April 29, 2011, Cleco Power operated Acadia Unit 2 on behalf of Acadia.  On April 29, 2011, Acadia completed its disposition of Acadia Unit 2 to Entergy Louisiana.  Cleco Power now operates Acadia Unit 2 on behalf of Entergy Louisiana.  

Acadia Unit 2
On April 29, 2011, Acadia completed its disposition of Acadia Unit 2 and Acadia Power Station’s remaining common facilities to Entergy Louisiana.  The significant terms of the transaction were:
§  Entergy Louisiana acquired Acadia Unit 2 for $298.8 million;
§  In exchange for $10.9 million, APH indemnified the third-party owners of Cajun and their affiliates against 50% of Acadia’s liabilities and other obligations related to the Acadia Unit 2 transaction;
§  APH recognized a gain of $62.0 million, which included $26.2 million of equity income that represents the 2007 investment impairment charge of $45.9 million, partially offset by $19.7 million of capitalized interest during the construction of Acadia;
§  APH received 100% ownership in Acadia in exchange for its 50% interest in Cajun, and Acadia became a consolidated subsidiary of APH; and
§  Cleco Power operates Acadia Unit 2 on behalf of Entergy Louisiana.
Following the transaction, ongoing operations at Acadia are minimal, relating only to the previously established accounts receivable and accounts payable and servicing of indemnities.  Therefore, Acadia does not meet the definition of a business.
Note 16 — Subsequent Event

On October 13, 2011, Cleco settled the 2001 through 2003 audit cycle with the IRS.  As a result of the settlement, Cleco made a miscellaneous other federal income tax payment in accordance with Revenue Procedure 2001-18 in the amount of $13.0 million, and no interest was assessed.  Cleco will reverse $30.9 million of previously accrued federal and state interest expense and the corresponding deferred tax benefit of $11.9 million.  Cleco expects its effective tax rate to increase approximately 4.55% for the year.
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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, 2010, and Cleco Corporation and Cleco Power’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Combined Quarterly Report on 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 sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2011, and JuneSeptember 30, 2010.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview
Cleco is a regional energy services holding company that conducts substantially all of its business operations through its two primary subsidiaries:
 
§  Cleco Power, an integrateda regulated electric utility services company, regulated by the LPSC, FERC,which owns 10 generating units with a total nameplate capacity of 2,572 MWs and other regulators, which serves approximately 279,000 customers in Louisiana through its retail business and 10 communities across Louisiana and also engages in energy management activities;Mississippi through wholesale power contracts; and
§  Midstream, a merchantwholesale energy company regulated by FERC,business, which owns Evangeline (which operates Coughlin).  Prior to April 29, 2011, Midstream also owned a 50 percent indirect interest in Acadia.  On April 29, 2011, Acadia completed its disposition of Acadia Unit 2 to Entergy Louisiana.  For additional information, see Item 1, “Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 15 — Acadia Transactions — Acadia Unit 2.”

Cleco Power
Many factors affect Cleco Power’s primary business of selling electricity.  These factors include the presence of a stable regulatory environment, which can impact cost recovery and return on equity, as well as the recovery of costs related to growing energy demand and rising fuel prices; the ability to increase energy sales while containing costs; and the ability to meet increasingly stringent regulatory and environmental standards.  Key initiatives that Cleco Power is currently working on include the Acadiana Load Pocket project, and the AMI project.  Another key project the Teche Unit 4 Blackstart project, was completed in April 2011.  A brief discussion of these projects is includedand power supply options for 2012 and beyond.  These initiatives are discussed below.
 
Acadiana Load Pocket Project
In September 2008, Cleco Power entered into an agreement with two other utilities to upgrade and expand interconnected transmission systems in south central Louisiana in an area known as the Acadiana Load Pocket.  The project received LPSC and SPP approval in February 2009.  Cleco Power’s initial portion of the estimated cost was approximately $150.0 million, including AFUDC.  Due to lower material and labor costs than initially expected, Cleco Power’s estimated costs for its portion of the project were reduced to $125.0 million, including AFUDC.  At JuneSeptember 30, 2011, Cleco Power had spent $74.4$86.3 million on the project and expects to incur an additional $23.0$9.6 million during 2011, including AFUDC.  TheA return on and recovery of the costs associated with the completed portions of the Acadiana Load Pocket project are included in base revenue.  The project is estimated to be 77%81% complete with the final completion date expected in 2012.  For additional information, please read “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Financial Condition — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Regulatory Matters — Acadiana Load Pocket Project” in the Registrants’ Combined
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Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.  For information on the impact the Acadiana Load Pocket project is expected to have on base revenue, see “— Comparison of the SixThree Months Ended JuneSeptember 30, 2011, and 2010 — Cleco Power — Base.”
 
AMI Project
In May 2010, Cleco Power accepted the terms of a $20.0 million grant from the DOE under the DOE’s small-grant process to implement smart-grid technology for all of Cleco Power’s retail customers.  Cleco Power estimates the project will cost $73.0 million, with the DOE grant providing $20.0 million toward the project and Cleco Power providing the remaining $53.0 million.  The grant program is a part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, an economic stimulus package passed by Congress in February 2009.  Smart-grid technology includes the installation of electric meters that enable two-way communication capabilities between a home or business and a utility company.  At JuneSeptember 30, 2011, Cleco Power had incurred $5.1$6.9 million in project costs, of which $2.3$3.0 million has been submitted to the DOE for reimbursement.  As of JuneSeptember 30, 2011, Cleco Power had received $1.4$2.8 million in payments from the DOE.  The project is expected to be completed in the secondthird quarter of 2013.  For additional information, please read “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Financial Condition — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Other Matters — AMI Project” in the Registrants’ Combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.
 
Teche Unit 4 Blackstart ProjectPower Supply Options
Cleco Power is evaluating a range of power supply options for 2012 and beyond.  Cleco Power is continuing to update its IRP to look at future sources of supply to meet its capacity and energy requirements and to comply with new environmental standards, primarily the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule.  In AprilAugust 2011, Cleco Power completed work on its projectissued one RFP for resources to improve its “blackstart” process (the returnenhance reliability for January through April 2012.  In October 2011, a second RFP, seeking up to approximately 750 MWs of its generation systemcapacity and energy, for a three- or five-year period was issued for supply starting May 1, 2012 to service inmeet the event of a total shutdown).  The project was considered complete when a 33-MW gas turbine at Teche Power Station, which has been designated Teche Unit 4, was placed into commercial operation.  At June 30, 2011,Cross-State Air Pollution Rule.  Cleco Power had spent $29.4 million on the project and expectsalso plans to incurrelease an additional $0.5 million during the remainder of 2011.  For additional information, please read “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Financial Condition — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Other Matters — Teche Unit 4 Blackstart Project”RFP in the Registrants’ Combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.2012 seeking long-term resources.  
 
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Cleco Midstream
 
Evangeline
In March 2010, Evangeline restructured its tolling agreement with JPMVEC and shortened the expiration of the prior long-term agreement from 2020 to December 31, 2011 (with a JPMVEC option to extend one year).  JPMVEC did not exercise the option to extend the tolling agreement and as a result, Coughlin’s capacity and energy will be available to Midstream beginning January 1, 2012.  Currently, Midstream is marketing Coughlin’s capacity for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2012, and is evaluating various options to optimize Coughlin’s value.  Evangeline was one of the successful bidders in Cleco Power’s RFP for short-term 2012 resources.  Cleco Power has filed with the LPSC an application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity for this agreement.  For additional information, see “— Financial Condition — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Regulatory Matters — Generation RFP.”
 
Acadia
In October 2009, Acadia and Entergy Louisiana executed definitive agreements whereby Entergy Louisiana would purchase Acadia Unit 2.  On April 29, 2011, Acadia completed its disposition of Acadia Unit 2 to Entergy Louisiana for $298.8 million.  APH’s portion of the proceeds from the sale were used to repay Cleco Corporation’s $150.0 million bank term loan.  For additional information on the Acadia Unit 2 transaction, see Item 1, “Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 15 — Acadia Transactions — Acadia Unit 2.”
 
Comparison of the Three Months Ended JuneSeptember 30, 2011, and 2010
 
Cleco Consolidated
    
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
     
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
 
       
FAVORABLE/(UNFAVORABLE)
        
FAVORABLE/(UNFAVORABLE)
 
(THOUSANDS) 
2011
  
2010
  
VARIANCE
  
CHANGE
  
2011
  
2010
  
VARIANCE
  
CHANGE
 
Operating revenue, net $272,923  $275,903  $(2,980)  (1.1)% $351,581  $343,892  $7,689   2.2 %
Operating expenses  202,628   195,809   (6,819)  (3.5)%  235,401   243,905   8,504   3.5 %
Operating income $70,295  $80,094  $(9,799)  (12.2)% $116,180  $99,987  $16,193   16.2 %
Equity income (loss) from investees, before tax $61,440  $(1,129) $62,569   * 
Other income $1,050  $266  $784   294.7 %
Equity (loss) income from investees, before tax $(1) $2,494  $(2,495)  (100.0)%
Other expense $1,344  $2,577  $1,233   47.8 % $3,360  $1,416  $(1,944)  (137.3)%
Interest charges $25,619  $24,518  $(1,101)  (4.5)% $25,779  $25,068  $(711)  (2.8)%
Federal and state income taxes $36,520  $17,389  $(19,131)  (110.0)% $24,737  $30,155  $5,418   18.0 %
Net income applicable to common stock $70,221  $35,174  $35,047   99.6 % $65,842  $49,600  $16,242   32.7 %
* Not meaningful                                
 
Consolidated net income applicable to common stock increased $35.0$16.2 million, or 99.6%32.7%, in the secondthird quarter of 2011 compared to the secondthird quarter of 2010 primarily due to the gain at Midstream related to the Acadia Unit 2 transaction and higher corporate earnings. Partially offsetting thisAlso contributing to the increase were lowerhigher earnings at Midstream and Cleco Power earnings.Power.
Operating revenue, net decreased $3.0increased $7.7 million, or 1.1%2.2%, in the secondthird quarter of 2011 compared to the secondthird quarter of 2010 primarily as a result of higherlower electric customer credits and higher other operations revenue at Cleco Power, partially offset by the gain related to sales of Cleco Power’s fuel oil supply.Power.
Operating expenses increased $6.8decreased $8.5 million, or 3.5%, in the secondthird quarter of 2011 compared to the secondthird quarter of 2010 primarily due to higher other operations andlower maintenance expenses at Cleco Power and Evangeline.
Equity income from investees increased $62.6decreased $2.5 million, or 100.0%, in the secondthird quarter of 2011 compared to the secondthird quarter of 2010 primarily due to increasedthe absence in the third quarter of 2011 of equity earnings at APH primarily from the recognition of a $62.0 million gainresulting from the disposition of Acadia Unit 2 and the subsequent consolidation of Acadia Power Station’s remaining common facilities to Entergy Louisiana.effective April 29, 2011.  
Other incomeexpense increased $0.8$1.9 million, or 294.7%137.3%, in the secondthird quarter of 2011 compared to the secondthird quarter of 2010 primarily due to increasesdecreases in the cash surrender value of life insurance policies at Cleco Corporation.
Interest charges increased $0.7 million, or 2.8%, during the third quarter of 2011 compared to the third quarter of 2010 primarily due to higher interest charges at Cleco Power.  Partially offsetting this increase were lower corporate interest charges related to uncertain tax positions and the repayment of a bank term loan in April 2011.  
Federal and state income taxes decreased $5.4 million, or 18.0%, during the third quarter of 2011 compared to the third quarter of 2010 primarily due to $7.8 million for tax benefits taken on the prior year income tax return and $3.0 million to record tax expense at the consolidated projected annual effective tax rate.  These decreases were partially offset by $4.2 million for the change in pre-tax income excluding AFUDC, and $1.2 million for miscellaneous items.
Results of operations for Cleco Power and Midstream are more fully described below.
Cleco Power
     
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
 
        
FAVORABLE/(UNFAVORABLE)
 
(THOUSANDS) 
2011
  
2010
  
VARIANCE
  
CHANGE
 
Operating revenue            
Base
 $178,159  $176,584  $1,575   0.9 %
Fuel cost recovery
  146,373   149,045   (2,672)  (1.8)%
Electric customer credits
  1,852   (6,314)  8,166   129.3 %
Other operations
  15,565   12,819   2,746   21.4 %
Affiliate revenue
  347   343   4   1.2 %
Operating revenue, net
  342,296   332,477   9,819   3.0 %
Operating expenses                
Fuel used for electric generation – recoverable
  121,739   97,870   (23,869)  (24.4)%
Power purchased for utility customers – recoverable
  24,627   51,218   26,591   51.9 %
Non-recoverable fuel and power purchased
  1,147   3,177   2,030   63.9 %
Other operations
  31,185   28,650   (2,535)  (8.8)%
Maintenance
  15,768   20,272   4,504   22.2 %
Depreciation
  28,859   27,133   (1,726)  (6.4)%
Taxes other than income taxes
  8,802   9,161   359   3.9 %
(Gain) loss on sale of assets
  (6)  7   13   185.7 %
Total operating expenses
  232,121   237,488   5,367   2.3 %
Operating income $110,175  $94,989  $15,186   16.0 %
Other income $1,323  $293  $1,030   351.5 %
Interest charges $25,306  $16,044  $(9,262)  (57.7)%
Federal and state income taxes $31,656  $26,568  $(5,088)  (19.2)%
Net income $53,833  $52,335  $1,498   2.9 %
 
4748

 
CLECO CORPORATION 
CLECO POWER       
2011 2ND3RD QUARTER FORM 10-Q
 
Other expense decreased $1.2 million, or 47.8%, in the second quarter of 2011 compared to the second quarter of 2010 primarily due to lower charitable donations and the absence in the second quarter of 2011 of decreases in the cash surrender value of life insurance policies at Cleco Corporation.
Interest charges increased $1.1 million, or 4.5%, during the second quarter of 2011 compared to the second quarter of 2010 primarily due to higher interest charges at Cleco Power.  Partially offsetting this increase were lower interest charges related to uncertain tax positions at Evangeline.  
Federal and state income taxes increased $19.1 million, or 110.0%, during the second quarter of 2011 compared to the second quarter of 2010 primarily due to an increase in pre-tax income, excluding equity AFUDC.  Federal and state income taxes increased $20.6 million for the change in pre-tax income excluding AFUDC equity and $1.2 million to record tax expense at the consolidated projected annual effective tax rate.  These increases were partially offset by $2.4 million for the tax impact of a valuation allowance for capital loss carryforwards recorded in 2010 and reversed in 2011 due to capital gains generated in 2011, and $0.3 million for miscellaneous items.
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) 
2011
  
2010
  
VARIANCE
  
CHANGE
 
Operating revenue            
Base
 $157,934  $157,057  $877   0.6 %
Fuel cost recovery
  102,551   104,044   (1,493)  (1.4)%
Electric customer credits
  (4,822)  -   (4,822)  - 
Other operations
  12,453   9,755   2,698   27.7 %
Affiliate revenue
  348   344   4   1.2 %
Operating revenue, net
  268,464   271,200   (2,736)  (1.0)%
Operating expenses                
Fuel used for electric generation – recoverable
  77,277   79,676   2,399   3.0 %
Power purchased for utility customers – recoverable
  25,269   24,331   (938)  (3.9)%
Non-recoverable fuel and power purchased
  1,199   2,059   860   41.8 %
Other operations
  29,912   28,051   (1,861)  (6.6)%
Maintenance
  22,581   19,704   (2,877)  (14.6)%
Depreciation
  28,282   28,162   (120)  (0.4)%
Taxes other than income taxes
  8,396   7,909   (487)  (6.2)%
Total operating expenses
  192,916   189,892   (3,024)  (1.6)%
Operating income $75,548  $81,308  $(5,760)  (7.1)%
Interest charges $24,322  $22,318  $(2,004)  (9.0)%
Federal and state income taxes $15,879  $19,236  $3,357   17.5 %
Net income $35,694  $39,089  $(3,395)  (8.7)%

 
Cleco Power’s net income in the secondthird quarter of 2011 decreased $3.4increased $1.5 million, or 8.7%2.9%, compared to the secondthird quarter of 2010.  Contributing factors include:
 
§  higherlower electric customer credits,
§  lower maintenance expense,
§  higher other operations revenue,
§  lower non-recoverable fuel and maintenance expenses,power purchased,
§  higher base revenue, and
§  higher interest charges.other income.
 
These were partially offset by:
 
§  higher other operations revenue,interest charges,
§  higher base revenue,other operations expense,
§  lower non-recoverable fuel and power purchased,higher depreciation, and
§  lowerhigher effective income tax rate.

 
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
 
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
(MILLION kWh) 
2011
  
2010
  
FAVORABLE/
(UNFAVORABLE)
 

2011
 

2010
 
FAVORABLE/
(UNFAVORABLE)
Electric sales              
Residential
  871   854   2.0 %
1,274
 
1,263
 
0.9 %
Commercial
  648   627   3.3 %
796
 
771
 
3.2 %
Industrial
  597   543   9.9 %
619
 
592
 
4.6 %
Other retail
  33   34   (2.9)%
36
 
37
 
(2.7)%
Total retail
  2,149   2,058   4.4 %
2,725
 
2,663
 
2.3 %
Sales for resale
  397   426   (6.8)%
652
 
639
 
2.0 %
Unbilled
  204   251   (18.7)%
(129)
 
(125)
 
(3.2)%
Total retail and wholesale customer sales  2,750   2,735   0.5 %
3,248
 
3,177
 
2.2 %

 
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
  
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
 
(THOUSANDS) 
2011
  
2010
  
FAVORABLE/
(UNFAVORABLE)
  
2011
  
2010
  
FAVORABLE/
(UNFAVORABLE)
 
Electric sales                  
Residential
 $69,338  $62,012   11.8 % $99,144  $100,301   (1.2)%
Commercial
  44,309   39,140   13.2 %  48,732   48,193   1.1 %
Industrial
  21,205   19,050   11.3 %  22,468   22,563   (0.4)%
Other retail
  2,418   2,249   7.5 %  2,600   2,721   (4.4)%
Surcharge
  2,833   1,660   70.7 %  2,983   1,350   121.0 %
Other
  (1,585)  (1,704)  7.0 %  (1,578)  (1,704)  7.4 %
Total retail
  138,518   122,407   13.2 %  174,349   173,424   0.5 %
Sales for resale
  11,039   10,673   3.4 %  11,455   14,745   (22.3)%
Unbilled
  8,377   23,977   (65.1)%  (7,645)  (11,585)  34.0 %
Total retail and wholesale customer sales $157,934  $157,057   0.6 % $178,159  $176,584   0.9 %
 
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 and because winter energy is priced below the rate charged for energy used in the summer.  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 weather data provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to determine degree days.
48

CLECO CORPORATION
CLECO POWER 
2011 2ND QUARTER FORM 10-Q

        
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
 
           
2011 CHANGE
 
  
2011
  
2010
  
NORMAL
  
PRIOR YEAR
  
NORMAL
 
Cooling-degree days  1,206   1,163   898   3.7%  34.3%
     FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
       
2011 CHANGE
 
2011
 
2010
 
NORMAL
 
PRIOR YEAR
 
NORMAL
Cooling-degree days
1,671
 
1,728
 
1,489
 
(3.3)%
 
12.2%
 
Base
Base revenue increased $0.9$1.6 million, or 0.6%0.9%, during the secondthird quarter of 2011 compared to the secondthird quarter of 2010 primarily due to higher electric sales, generally resulting from favorable weather.  Although cooling degree days for the quarter were slightly down, Cleco Power experienced warmer weather in August 2011 as compared to the same period last year.  Cleco Power anticipates incremental base revenue over the remainder of 2011 of $3.6$1.8 million and an additional $6.8 million for 2012 associated with the completed portions of the Acadiana Load Pocket transmission project.  
Cleco Power expects new industrial load to be added during the remainder of 2011, 2012, and 2013, principally driven by expected development of Haynesville shale gas recently discovered in Northwestern Louisiana and the construction of a new gas storage facility.  In addition, Cleco Power also expects to begin providing service to expansions of current customers’ operations, as well as service to a new customer.  These expansions of service to current customers and service to a new customer are expected to contribute base revenue of $4.7$2.2 million during the remainder of 2011, an additional $2.4$2.9 million in 2012, and an additional $0.3$0.4 million in 2013.  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, 2010.
 
Fuel Cost Recovery
Fuel cost recovery revenue billed to customers decreased $1.5$2.7 million, or 1.4%1.8%, during the secondthird quarter of 2011 compared to the secondthird quarter of 2010 primarily due to decreases in the per-unit cost of fuel used for electric generation.generation and power purchased for utility customers.  Also contributing to the decrease were lower volumes of power purchased for utility customers.  Partially offsetting the decrease were increases in the per-unit cost of power purchased for utility customers and higher volumes of fuel used for electric generation and power purchased for utility customers.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 95%94% of Cleco Power’s total fuel cost during the secondthird quarter of 2011 was regulated by the LPSC, while the remainder was regulated by FERC.  Recovery of fuel adjustment clause costs is subject to refund until approval is received from the LPSC.  For information on Cleco Power’s current LPSC fuel audit, see Item 1, “Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 12 — LPSC Fuel Audit.”
 
49

CLECO CORPORATION
CLECO POWER 
2011 3RD QUARTER FORM 10-Q
Electric Customer Credits
Electric customer credits increased $4.8decreased $8.2 million, or 129.3%, during the secondthird quarter of 2011 compared to the secondthird quarter of 2010 as a result of recording an estimated accrualprimarily due to lower accruals for a rate refund based on actual results for the 12 months ended June 30, 2011.customer credits.  For additional information on the accrual for electric customer credits, see Item 1, “Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 9 — Electric Customer Credits.”
 
Other Operations
Other operations revenue increased $2.7 million, or 27.7%21.4%, in the secondthird quarter of 2011 compared to the secondthird quarter of 2010 primarily due to $1.6 million of higher mineral lease payments and $1.1 million related to the gain related toon sales of Cleco Power’s fuel oil supply.
 
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses increased $3.0decreased $5.4 million, or 1.6%2.3%, in the secondthird quarter of 2011 compared to the secondthird quarter of 2010.  Fuel used for electric generation (recoverable) decreased $2.4increased $23.9 million, or 3.0%24.4%, primarily due to lower per unit costshigher volumes of fuel used for electric generation. Partially offsetting this decreaseincrease were higher volumeslower per unit costs of fuel used for electric generation as compared to the secondthird quarter of 2010.  Power purchased for utility customers (recoverable) increased $0.9decreased $26.6 million, or 3.9%51.9%, largely due to higherlower volumes and higherlower per unit costs of purchased power.  Fuel used for electric generation and power purchased for utility customers generally are influenced by natural gas prices, as well as availability of transmission.  However, other factors such as scheduled and/or unscheduled outages, unusual maintenance or repairs, or other developments may affect fuel used for electric generation and power purchased for utility customers.  Non-recoverable fuel and power purchased decreased $0.9$2.0 million, or 41.8%63.9%, primarily due to the absence of non-recoverable expenses related to fixed-price power that was provided to a wholesale customer in the secondthird quarter of 2010.  Other operations expense increased $1.9$2.5 million, or 6.6%8.8%, primarily due to higher transmission and generating station expenses, higher customer service expenses, and higher employee benefit costs and administrative expenses.  Partially offsetting these increases were lower professional fees.  Maintenance expense increased $2.9decreased $4.5 million, or 14.6%22.2%, primarily due to lower generating station and distribution maintenance work performed during the third quarter of 2011.  Depreciation expense increased $1.7 million, or 6.4%, primarily due to higher transmission, distribution,amortization expense as a result of a change in rates and generating station maintenance work performed during the second quarter ofTeche Unit 4 Blackstart Project being placed in service in 2011.
 
Interest ChargesOther Income
Interest chargesOther income increased $2.0$1.0 million, or 9.0%351.5%, during the secondthird quarter of 2011 compared to the secondthird quarter of 2010 primarily due to higher revenue from mutual assistance to other utilities for restoration efforts and higher royalty payments.
Interest Charges
Interest charges increased $9.3 million, or 57.7%, during the third quarter of 2011 compared to the third quarter of 2010 primarily due to $7.3 million related to uncertain tax positions and $3.8 million related to the November 2010 issuance of $250.0 million of senior notes.  Partially offsetting this increase werewas a $1.8 million decrease related to other miscellaneous interest charges and the repayment of insured quarterly notes and a bank term loan in October 2010 and November 2010, respectively.  
 
Income Taxes
Federal and state income taxes decreased $3.4increased $5.1 million, or 17.5%19.2%, during the secondthird quarter of 2011 compared to the secondthird quarter of 2010.  The decreaseincrease is primarily due to a $2.8$2.5 million change in pre-tax income excluding AFUDC equity, and $2.4$1.9 million for miscellaneous items, and $1.5 million to record tax expense at the projected annual effective tax impactrate.  These increases were partially offset by $0.7 million for tax benefits taken on the prior year income tax return and $0.1 million to record tax expense at the projected annual effective tax rate.
Midstream
  
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
 
        
FAVORABLE/(UNFAVORABLE)
 
(THOUSANDS) 
2011
  
2010
  
VARIANCE
  
CHANGE
 
Operating revenue            
Tolling operations
 $9,133  $11,153  $(2,020)  (18.1)%
Other operations
  1   1   -   - 
Affiliate revenue
  -   5   (5)  (100.0)%
Operating revenue
  9,134   11,159   (2,025)  (18.1)%
Operating expenses                
Other operations
  2,121   1,944   (177)  (9.1)%
Maintenance
  (1,131)  2,987   4,118   137.9 %
Depreciation
  1,457   1,446   (11)  (0.8)%
Taxes other than income taxes
  620   76   (544)  (715.8)%
(Gain) loss on sale of assets
  (62)  6   68   * 
Total operating expenses
  3,005   6,459   3,454   53.5 %
Operating income $6,129  $4,700  $1,429   30.4 %
Equity income from investees, before tax $-  $2,494  $(2,494)  (100.0)%
Other income $1,012  $1,836  $(824)  (44.9)%
Federal and state income tax expenses $444  $2,758  $2,314   83.9 %
Net income $5,946  $5,156  $790   15.3 %
* Not meaningful                
Factors affecting Midstream during the third quarter of a valuation allowance2011 are described below.
Operating Revenue
Operating revenue decreased $2.0 million, or 18.1%, in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the third quarter of 2010 primarily due to lower tolling revenue at Evangeline resulting from lower plant run time.
 
4950

 
CLECO CORPORATION 
CLECO POWER       
2011 2ND3RD QUARTER FORM 10-Q
 
for capital loss carryforwards recorded in 2010 and reversed in 2011 due to capital gains generated in 2011.  These decreases were partially offset by $1.8 million to record tax expense at the projected annual effective tax rate.
Midstream
  
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
 
        
FAVORABLE/(UNFAVORABLE)
 
(THOUSANDS) 
2011
  
2010
  
VARIANCE
  
CHANGE
 
Operating revenue            
Tolling operations
 $4,222  $4,399  $(177)  (4.0)%
Other operations
  7   1   6   600.0 %
Affiliate revenue
  12   13   (1)  (7.7)%
Operating revenue
  4,241   4,413   (172)  (3.9)%
Operating expenses                
Other operations
  2,058   1,822   (236)  (13.0)%
Maintenance
  5,534   1,851   (3,683)  (199.0)%
Depreciation
  1,457   1,444   (13)  (0.9)%
Taxes other than income taxes
  626   75   (551)  (734.7)%
(Gain) loss on sale of assets  (506)  6   512   * 
Total operating expenses
  9,169   5,198   (3,971)  (76.4)%
Operating loss $(4,928) $(785) $(4,143)  (527.8)%
Equity income (loss) from investees, before tax $61,440  $(1,129) $62,569   * 
Interest charges $628  $1,431  $803   56.1 %
Federal and state income tax expenses (benefit) $21,536  $(1,241) $(22,777)  * 
Net income (loss) $34,425  $(1,991) $36,416   * 
* Not meaningful                
Factors affecting Midstream during the second quarter of 2011 are described below.
 
Operating RevenueExpenses
Operating revenueexpenses decreased $0.2$3.5 million, or 3.9%53.5%, in the secondthird quarter of 2011 compared to the secondthird quarter of 2010 primarily due to lower tolling revenuemaintenance expenses at Evangeline resulting from lower plant run time.
Operating Expenses
Operatingand $2.4 million of insurance recovery related to outage expenses increased $4.0 million, or 76.4%, inincurred during the second quarter of 2011 compared to the second quarter of 2010 primarily due to higher maintenance expenses at Evangeline resulting from an outage.2011.
 
Equity Income from Investees
Equity income from investees increased $62.6decreased $2.5 million, duringor 100.0%, in the secondthird quarter of 2011 compared to the secondthird quarter of 2010 primarily due to increasedthe absence in the third quarter of 2011 of equity earnings at APH.  The increased equity earnings were primarily from the recognition of a $62.0 million gainAPH resulting from the disposition of Acadia Unit 2 and the subsequent consolidation of Acadia Power Station’s remaining common facilities to Entergy Louisiana.effective April 29, 2011.  For additional information on the disposition of Acadia Unit 2, see Item 1, “Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 10 — Variable Interest Entities and Note 15 — Acadia Transactions — Acadia Unit 2.”
 
Interest ChargesOther Income
Interest chargesOther income decreased $0.8 million, or 56.1%44.9%, duringin the secondthird quarter of 2011 compared to the secondthird quarter of 2010 primarily due tolargely as a result of lower interest chargescontractual expirations of underlying indemnifications related to uncertain tax positions.Acadia Unit 1.
��
Income Taxes
Federal and state income taxes increased $22.8decreased $2.3 million, or 83.9%, during the secondthird quarter of 2011 compared to the secondthird quarter of 2010 primarily due to tax benefits taken in the disposition of Acadia Unit 2 to Entergy Louisiana.prior year income tax return and a decrease in pre-tax income.  The effective income tax rate is different than the federal statutory rate due to state tax expense.
 
Comparison of the SixNine Months Ended JuneSeptember 30, 2011, and 2010
 
Cleco Consolidated
    
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
     
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
 
       
FAVORABLE/(UNFAVORABLE)
        
FAVORABLE/(UNFAVORABLE)
 
(THOUSANDS) 
2011
  
2010
  
VARIANCE
  
CHANGE
  
2011
  
2010
  
VARIANCE
  
CHANGE
 
Operating revenue, net $526,613  $548,188  $(21,575)  (3.9)% $878,193  $892,081  $(13,888)  (1.6)%
Operating expenses  391,088   412,197   21,109   5.1 %  626,489   656,101   29,612   4.5 %
Operating income $135,525  $135,991  $(466)  (0.3)% $251,704  $235,980  $15,724   6.7 %
Allowance for other funds used during construction $2,854  $10,165  $(7,311)  (71.9)% $3,757  $11,052  $(7,295)  (66.0)%
Equity income from investees, before tax $62,052  $36,718  $25,334   69.0 % $62,051  $39,212  $22,839   58.2 %
Gain on toll settlement $-  $148,402  $(148,402)  -  $-  $148,402  $(148,402)  (100.0)%
Other income $2,254  $807  $1,447   179.3 %
Interest charges $52,232  $46,952  $(5,280)  (11.2)% $78,011  $72,020  $(5,991)  (8.3)%
Federal and state income taxes $48,714  $97,256  $48,542   49.9 % $73,451  $127,411  $53,960   42.4 %
Net income applicable to common stock $99,225  $185,132  $(85,907)  (46.4)% $165,067  $234,733  $(69,666)  (29.7)%
 
Consolidated net income applicable to common stock decreased $85.9$69.7 million, or 46.4%29.7%, in the first sixnine months of 2011 compared to the first sixnine months of 2010 primarily due to the absence of 2010 gains at Midstream related to the termination of the Evangeline Tolling Agreement and Acadia Unit 1 transaction, in the first half of 2010, partially offset by the 2011 gain from the Acadia Unit 2 transaction.  Also contributing to the decrease were lower Cleco Power andearnings.  Partially offsetting these decreases were higher corporate earnings.
Operating revenue, net decreased $21.6$13.9 million, or 3.9%1.6%, in the first sixnine months of 2011 compared to the first sixnine months of 2010 largely as a result of lower fuel cost recovery revenue at Cleco Power due to lower per unit costs of fuel used for electric generation.  Also contributing to the decrease weregeneration and lower per unit costs and volumes of power purchased for utility customers.
Operating expenses decreased $21.1$29.6 million, or 5.1%4.5%, in the first sixnine months of 2011 compared to the first sixnine months of 2010 primarily due to lower per unit costs and volumes of power purchased for utility customers.
Allowance for other funds used during construction decreased $7.3 million, or 71.9%66.0%, in the first sixnine months of 2011 compared to the first sixnine months of 2010 primarily due to the cessation of AFUDC accruals related to the completion of construction activity at Madison Unit 3.  
Equity income from investees increased $25.3$22.8 million, or 69.0%58.2%, in the first sixnine months of 2011 compared to the first sixnine months of 2010 primarily due to increased equity earnings at
50

CLECO CORPORATION
CLECO POWER 
2011 2ND QUARTER FORM 10-Q
APH primarily from the recognition of a $62.0 million gain from the disposition of Acadia Unit 2 and Acadia Power Station’s remaining common facilities to Entergy Louisiana and lower maintenance expenses on Acadia Unit 2.Louisiana.  Partially offsetting this increase was the absence of the gain from Cleco Power’s acquisition of Acadia Unit 1 and half of Acadia Power Station’s related common facilities during 2010.  For additional information on the Acadia Unit 1 and 2 transactions, see Item 1, “Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 10 — Variable Interest Entities and Note 15 — Acadia Transactions.”
Gain on toll settlement was $148.4 million in the first sixnine months of 2010 due to transactions related to the termination of the existing Evangeline Tolling Agreement and the execution of the Evangeline 2010 Tolling Agreement.  For additional information, see Item 1, “Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 14 — Evangeline Transactions.”  
Other incomeInterest charges increased $1.4$6.0 million, or 179.3%8.3%, induring the first sixnine months of 2011 compared to the first six months of 2010 primarily due to higher gains on the cash surrender value of life insurance policies at Cleco Corporation.
Interest charges increased $5.3 million, or 11.2%, during the first six months of 2011 compared to the first sixnine months of 2010 primarily due to higher interest charges at Cleco Power.  Partially offsetting this increase were lower corporate interest charges related to uncertain tax positions and the repayment of a bank term loan in April 2011.  
Federal and state income taxes decreased $48.5$54.0 million, or 49.9%42.4%, during the first sixnine months of 2011 compared to the first sixnine months of 2010.  Decreases include $49.0$44.7 million for the change in pre-tax income excluding AFUDC equity, $2.4 million for the tax impact of a valuation allowance for capital loss carryforwards recorded in 2010 and reversed in 2011 due to capital gains generated in 2011, $1.9 million for a Medicare D adjustment resulting from new legislation enacted in 2010, and $1.0$7.8 million for other miscellaneous items.tax benefits taken on the prior year income tax return, and $0.2 million to record tax expense at the consolidated annual projected effective tax rate.  These decreases were partially offset by $3.0 million for the adjustment in 2010 related to the implementation of the new rates approved by the LPSC and $2.8 million to record tax expense at the consolidated projected annual effective tax rate.LPSC.
51

CLECO CORPORATION
CLECO POWER 
2011 3RD QUARTER FORM 10-Q
Results of operations for Cleco Power and Midstream are more fully described below.

 
Cleco Power
    
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
     
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
 
       
FAVORABLE/(UNFAVORABLE)
        
FAVORABLE/(UNFAVORABLE)
 
(THOUSANDS) 
2011
  
2010
  
VARIANCE
  
CHANGE
  
2011
  
2010
  
VARIANCE
  
CHANGE
 
Operating revenue                        
Base
 $292,007  $272,005  $20,002   7.4 % $470,166  $448,589  $21,577   4.8 %
Fuel cost recovery
  206,946   241,894   (34,948)  (14.4)%  353,318   390,939   (37,621)  (9.6)%
Electric customer credits
  (5,256)  -   (5,256)  -   (3,405)  (6,314)  2,909   46.1 %
Other operations
  24,696   20,140   4,556   22.6 %  40,261   32,959   7,302   22.2 %
Affiliate revenue
  694   686   8   1.2 %  1,041   1,029   12   1.2 %
Operating revenue, net
  519,087   534,725   (15,638)  (2.9)%  861,381   867,202   (5,821)  (0.7)%
Operating expenses                                
Fuel used for electric generation – recoverable
  173,421   172,295   (1,126)  (0.7)%  295,160   270,165   (24,995)  (9.3)%
Power purchased for utility customers – recoverable
  33,519   69,594   36,075   51.8 %  58,145   120,812   62,667   51.9 %
Non-recoverable fuel and power purchased
  2,222   6,978   4,756   68.2 %  3,369   10,154   6,785   66.8 %
Other operations
  55,901   52,460   (3,441)  (6.6)%  87,086   81,111   (5,975)  (7.4)%
Maintenance
  38,194   31,426   (6,768)  (21.5)%  53,962   51,697   (2,265)  (4.4)%
Depreciation
  55,683   50,808   (4,875)  (9.6)%  84,543   77,941   (6,602)  (8.5)%
Taxes other than income taxes
  16,783   15,949   (834)  (5.2)%  25,585   25,110   (475)  (1.9)%
Gain (loss) on sale of assets
  (1)  39   40   102.6 %
(Gain) loss on sale of assets
  (7)  47   54   114.9 %
Total operating expenses
  375,722   399,549   23,827   6.0 %  607,843   637,037   29,194   4.6 %
Operating income $143,365  $135,176  $8,189   6.1 % $253,538  $230,165  $23,373   10.2 %
Allowance for other funds used during construction $2,854  $10,165  $(7,311)  (71.9)% $3,757  $11,052  $(7,295)  (66.0)%
Other income $2,168  $1,038  $1,130   108.9 %
Other expense $4,499  $3,619  $(880)  (24.3)%
Interest charges $48,723  $41,060  $(7,663)  (18.7)% $74,029  $57,104  $(16,925)  (29.6)%
Federal and state income taxes $30,279  $31,731  $1,452   4.6 % $61,935  $58,299  $(3,636)  (6.2)%
Net income $65,724  $71,249  $(5,525)  (7.8)% $119,557  $123,584  $(4,027)  (3.3)%
 
Cleco Power’s net income in the first sixnine months of 2011 decreased $5.5$4.0 million, or 7.8%3.3%, compared to the first sixnine months of 2010.  Contributing factors include:
 
§  higher interest charges,
§  higher other operations and maintenance expenses,
§  higher interest charges,
§  lower allowance for other funds used during construction,
§  higher electric customer credits,
§  higher depreciation expense, and
§  higher effective income tax rate.
 
These were partially offset by:
 
§  higher base revenue,
§  higher other operations revenue,
§  lower non-recoverable fuel and power purchased expenses, and
§  higher other operations revenue.

  
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
 
(MILLION kWh) 
2011
  
2010
  
FAVORABLE/
(UNFAVORABLE)
 
Electric sales         
Residential
  1,831   1,893   (3.3)%
Commercial
  1,242   1,219   1.9 %
Industrial
  1,151   1,087   5.9 %
Other retail
  66   69   (4.3)%
Total retail
  4,290   4,268   0.5 %
Sales for resale
  843   902   (6.5)%
Unbilled
  39   127   (69.3)%
Total retail and wholesale customer sales  5,172   5,297   (2.4)%
51

CLECO CORPORATION
CLECO POWER 
2011 2ND QUARTER FORM 10-Q
lower electric customer credits.
 

 
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,

(MILLION kWh)

2011
 

2010
 
FAVORABLE/
(UNFAVORABLE)
Electric sales     
Residential
3,105
 
3,156
 
(1.6)%
Commercial
2,037
 
1,990
 
2.4 %
Industrial
1,770
 
1,679
 
5.4 %
Other retail
103
 
106
 
(2.8)%
Total retail
7,015
 
6,931
 
1.2 %
Sales for resale
1,495
 
1,541
 
(3.0)%
Unbilled
(90)
 
2
 
*
Total retail and wholesale customer sales
8,420
 
8,474
 
(0.6)%
* Not meaningful     

 
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
  
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
 
(THOUSANDS) 
2011
  
2010
  
FAVORABLE/
(UNFAVORABLE)
  
2011
  
2010
  
FAVORABLE/
(UNFAVORABLE)
 
Electric sales                  
Residential
 $136,527  $108,509   25.8 % $235,672  $208,811   12.9 %
Commercial
  88,401   68,703   28.7 %  137,133   116,897   17.3 %
Industrial
  41,855   33,211   26.0 %  64,323   55,774   15.3 %
Other retail
  4,884   4,006   21.9 %  7,484   6,727   11.3 %
Surcharge
  4,550   5,855   (22.3)%  7,534   7,205   4.6 %
Other
  (3,295)  (2,679)  (23.0)%  (4,875)  (4,383)  (11.2)%
Total retail
  272,922   217,605   25.4 %  447,271   391,031   14.4 %
Sales for resale
  22,978   19,456   18.1 %  34,433   34,199   0.7 %
Unbilled
  (3,893)  34,944   (111.1)%  (11,538)  23,359   (149.4)%
Total retail and wholesale customer sales $292,007  $272,005   7.4 % $470,166  $448,589   4.8 %
 
The following chart shows how cooling- and heating–degree days varied from normal conditions and from the prior period.  Cleco Power uses weather data provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to determine degree days.

       
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
     
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
          
2011 CHANGE
       
2011 CHANGE
 
2011
  
2010
  
NORMAL
  
PRIOR YEAR
  
NORMAL
 
2011
 
2010
 
NORMAL
 
PRIOR YEAR
 
NORMAL
Heating-degree days  937   1,317   999   (28.9)%  (6.2)%
937
 
1,317
 
999
 
(28.9)%
 
(6.2)%
Cooling-degree days  1,345   1,175   964   14.5 %  39.5 %
3,016
 
2,903
 
2,453
 
3.9 %
 
23.0 %
 
Base
Base revenue increased $20.0$21.6 million, or 7.4%4.8%, during the first sixnine months of 2011 compared to the first sixnine months of 2010 primarily due to the base rate increase that became effective in February 2010, which included Madison Unit 3 and the investment in Acadia Unit 1.  Also included in base revenue were amounts related to the completed portions of the Acadiana Load Pocket transmission project.  Partially offsetting these increases were lower kWh electric sales, primarily related to milder winter weather in the first quarter of 2011.  For information on the anticipated effects of changes in base revenue in future periods, see “— Comparison of the Three Months Ended JuneSeptember 30, 2011, and 2010 — Cleco Power — Base.”  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, 2010.
 
Fuel Cost Recovery
Fuel cost recovery revenue billed to customers decreased $34.9$37.6 million, or 14.4%9.6%, during the first sixnine months of 2011
52

CLECO CORPORATION
CLECO POWER 
2011 3RD QUARTER FORM 10-Q
compared to the first sixnine months in 2010 primarily due to decreases in the per-unit cost of fuel used for electric generation, and power purchased for utility customers.  Also contributing to the decrease werecustomers, and lower volumes of power purchased for utility customers.  Partially offsetting the decrease were higher volumes of fuel used for electric generation.  Lower volumes of power purchased were primarily due to Madison Unit 3 being placed in service and the acquisition of Acadia Unit 1 during 2010.  For information on Cleco Power’s ability to recover fuel and purchase power costs, see “— Comparison of the Three Months Ended JuneSeptember 30, 2011, and 2010 — Cleco Power — Fuel Cost Recovery.”
 
Electric Customer Credits
Electric customer credits increased $5.3decreased $2.9 million, or 46.1%, during the first sixnine months of 2011 compared to the first sixnine months of 2010 as a result of recording ana lower estimated accrual for a rate refund based on actual results for the 12 months ended June 30, 2011.refund.  For additional information on the accrual of electric customer credits, see Item 1, “Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 9 — Electric Customer Credits.”
 
Other Operations
Other operations revenue increased $4.6$7.3 million, or 22.6%22.2%, in the first sixnine months of 2011 compared to the first sixnine months of 2010 primarily due to $2.7a $3.8 million related to the gain on salessale of Cleco Power’s fuel oil supply, $1.1$2.7 million of higher mineral lease payments, $0.5$0.6 million related to the absence of net unfavorable results in the first half of 2010 relating to economic hedge transactions associated with fixed-price power that was provided to a wholesale customer, and $0.3 million of higher customer fees.
 
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses decreased $23.8$29.2 million, or 6.0%4.6%, in the first sixnine months of 2011 compared to the first sixnine months of 2010.  Fuel used for electric generation (recoverable) increased $1.1$25.0 million, or 0.7%9.3%, primarily due to higher volumes of fuel used as compared to the first sixnine months of 2010.  Partially offsetting this increase were lower per unit costs of fuel used for electric generation.  Power purchased for utility customers (recoverable) decreased $36.1$62.7 million, or 51.8%51.9%, largely due to lower volumes and lower per-unit costs of purchased power.  Lower volumes of power purchased were primarily due to Madison Unit 3 being placed in service and the acquisition of Acadia Unit 1.  Fuel used for electric generation and power purchased for utility customers generally are influenced by natural gas prices, as well as availability of transmission.  However, other factors such as scheduled and/or unscheduled outages, unusual maintenance or repairs, or other developments may affect fuel used for electric generation and power purchased for utility customers.  Non-recoverable fuel and purchased power decreased $4.8$6.8 million, or 68.2%66.8%, primarily due to the absence of non-recoverable expenses related to fixed-price power that was provided to a wholesale customer during 2010 and lower capacity payments made during the first sixnine months of 2011 primarily due to the commencement of commercial operations of Madison Unit 3 and the acquisition of Acadia Unit 1.  Other operations expense increased $3.4$6.0 million, or 6.6%7.4%, primarily due to higher transmissiongenerating station and generating stationdistribution expenses, higher employee benefit costs and administrative expenses and higher customer service expenses, and higher general liability expense.expenses.  Partially offsetting these increases were lower professional fees.  Maintenance expense increased $6.8$2.3 million, or 21.5%4.4%, primarily due to higher generating station,
52

CLECO CORPORATION
CLECO POWER 
2011 2ND QUARTER FORM 10-Q
distribution, and transmission maintenance work performed during the first sixnine months of 2011.  Other operations and maintenance expenses were impacted during the first sixnine months of 2011 as a result of Madison Unit 3 being placed in service and the acquisition of Acadia Unit 1.  Depreciation expense increased $4.9$6.6 million, or 9.6%8.5%, largely due to Madison Unit 3 being placed in service and the acquisition of Acadia Unit 1.  Taxes other than income taxes increased $0.8 million, or 5.2%, primarily due to higher property taxes, payroll taxes, and state franchise taxes.
 
Allowance for Other Funds Used During Construction
Allowance for other funds used during construction decreased $7.3 million, or 71.9%66.0%, during the first sixnine months of 2011 compared to the first sixnine months of 2010 primarily due to the cessation of AFUDC accruals related to the completion of construction activity at Madison Unit 3.  
 
Other Income
Other income increased $1.1 million, or 108.9%, during the first nine months of 2011 compared to the first nine months of 2010 primarily due to higher royalty payments and higher revenue from mutual assistance to other utilities for restoration efforts.
Other Expense
Other expense increased $0.9 million, or 24.3%, during the first nine months of 2011 compared to the first nine months of 2010 primarily due to higher amortization of the plant acquisition adjustment related to Cleco Power’s acquisition of Acadia Unit 1 and higher expenses from mutual assistance to other utilities for restoration efforts.
Interest Charges
Interest charges increased $7.7$16.9 million, or 18.7%29.6%, during the first sixnine months of 2011 compared to the first sixnine months of 2010 primarily due to $7.5$11.3 million related to the November 2010 issuance of $250.0 million of senior notes, $7.6 million related to uncertain tax positions, and $2.7 million of lower interest charges capitalized in 2011 compared to 2010 (allowance for borrowed funds used during construction) associated with Madison Unit 3.  Partially offsetting this increase was $1.9$2.9 million from the repayment of insured quarterly notes and a bank term loan in October 2010 and November 2010, respectively, and $0.6$1.8 million of other miscellaneous interest charges.
 
Income Taxes
Federal and state income taxes decreased $1.5increased $3.6 million, or 4.6%6.2%, during the first sixnine months of 2011 compared to the first sixnine months of 2010.  The decrease is primarily dueincrease includes $2.6 million for the change in pre-tax income excluding AFUDC equity, $3.0 million for the adjustment in 2010 related to the
53

CLECO CORPORATION
CLECO POWER 
2011 3RD QUARTER FORM 10-Q
implementation of new rates approved by the LPSC, $1.7 million for miscellaneous items, and $0.9 million to record tax expense at the projected annual effective tax rate.  These increases were partially offset by $2.4 million for the tax impact of a valuation allowance for capital loss carryforwards recorded in 2010 and reversed in 2011 due to capital gains generated in 2011, $1.5 million for a Medicare D adjustment resulting from new legislation enacted in 2010, $0.6 million to record tax expense at the projected annual effective tax rate, and $0.1 for other miscellaneous items.  These decreases were partially offset by $3.0$0.7 million for tax benefits taken in the adjustment in 2010 related to the implementation of new rates approved by the LPSC and $0.1 million for the change in pre-taxprior year income including AFUDC equity.  

tax return.
 
Midstream
 
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
  
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
 
       
FAVORABLE/(UNFAVORABLE)
        
FAVORABLE/(UNFAVORABLE)
 
(THOUSANDS) 
2011
  
2010
  
VARIANCE
  
CHANGE
  
2011
  
2010
  
VARIANCE
  
CHANGE
 
Operating revenue                        
Tolling operations
 $7,003  $11,863  $(4,860)  (41.0)% $16,137  $23,016  $(6,879)  (29.9)%
Other operations
  7   1   6   600.0 %  8   2   6   300.0 %
Affiliate revenue
  45   918   (873)  (95.1)%  45   924   (879)  (95.1)%
Operating revenue
  7,055   12,782   (5,727)  (44.8)%  16,190   23,942   (7,752)  (32.4)%
Operating expenses                                
Other operations
  3,874   4,016   142   3.5 %  5,999   5,962   (37)  (0.6)%
Maintenance
  6,666   3,916   (2,750)  (70.2)%  5,535   6,902   1,367   19.8 %
Depreciation
  2,913   2,887   (26)  (0.9)%  4,370   4,334   (36)  (0.8)%
Taxes other than income taxes
  1,260   185   (1,075)  (581.1)%  1,880   261   (1,619)  (620.3)%
(Gain) loss on sale of assets
  (494)  7   501   *   (556)  12   568   * 
Total operating expenses
  14,219   11,011   (3,208)  (29.1)%  17,228   17,471   243   1.4 %
Operating (loss) income $(7,164) $1,771  $(8,935)  (504.5)% $(1,038) $6,471  $(7,509)  (116.0)%
Equity income from investees, before tax $62,053  $36,717  $25,336   69.0 % $62,053  $39,211  $22,842   58.3 %
Gain on toll settlement $-  $148,402  $(148,402)  *  $-  $148,402  $(148,402)  (100.0)%
Interest charges $1,211  $4,863  $3,652   75.1 % $1,963  $5,972  $4,009   67.1 %
Federal and state income tax expense $20,853  $70,147  $49,294   70.3 % $21,296  $72,905  $51,609   70.8 %
Net income $33,328  $112,020  $(78,692)  (70.2)% $39,274  $117,176  $(77,902)  (66.5)%
* Not meaningful                                
 
Factors affecting Midstream during the first sixnine months of 2011 are described below.
 
Operating Revenue
Operating revenue decreased $5.7$7.8 million, or 44.8%32.4%, during the first sixnine months of 2011 compared to the first sixnine months of 2010, largely as a result of lower tolling revenue resulting from the Evangeline restructuring and pricing of the Evangeline 2010 Tolling Agreement.  Affiliate revenue decreased $0.9 million, or 95.1%, in the first sixnine months of 2011 compared to the first sixnine months of 2010 primarily due to a decrease in services provided by Generation Services employees who were transferred to Cleco Power during 2010 as a result of Cleco Power’s acquisition of Acadia Unit 1.
 
Operating Expenses
OperatingMaintenance expenses increased $3.2decreased $1.4 million, or 29.1%19.8%, during the first nine months of 2011 compared to the first nine months of 2010, largely as a result of lower turbine maintenance expenses at Evangeline.  Taxes other than income taxes increased $1.6 million, or 620.3%, primarily due to higher maintenance expenses resulting from an outage and higher property taxes at Evangeline as a result of the expiration of a 10-year property tax exemption.  Gain on sale of assets increased $0.6 million primarily due to insurance recovery related to outage expenses at Evangeline.
 
Equity Income from Investees
Equity income from investees increased $25.3$22.8 million, or 69.0%58.3%, during the first sixnine months of 2011 compared to the first sixnine months of 2010 primarily due to increased equity earnings at APH primarily from the recognition of a $62.0 million gain from the disposition of Acadia Unit 2 and Acadia Power Station’s remaining common facilities to Entergy Louisiana and lower maintenance expenses on Acadia Unit 2.Louisiana.  Partially offsetting this increase was the absence of the gain from Cleco Power’s acquisition of Acadia Unit 1 and half of Acadia Power Station’s related common facilities during the first half of 2010.  For additional information on the Acadia Unit 1 and 2 transactions, see Item 1, “Notes to the Unaudited Condensed
53

CLECO CORPORATION
CLECO POWER 
2011 2ND QUARTER FORM 10-Q
Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 10 — Variable Interest Entities and Note 15 — Acadia Transactions.”
 
Gain on Toll Settlement
Gain on toll settlement was $148.4 million in the first sixnine months of 2010 due to transactions related to the termination of the Evangeline Tolling Agreement and the execution of the Evangeline 2010 Tolling Agreement.  For additional information, see Item 1, “Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 14 — Evangeline Transactions.”  
 
Interest Charges
Interest charges decreased $3.7$4.0 million, or 75.1%67.1%, during the first sixnine months of 2011 compared to the first sixnine months of 2010 primarily due to the retirement of Evangeline’s debt in 2010.2010 and lower interest charges related to uncertain tax positions.  For additional information, see Item 1, “Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 14 — Evangeline Transactions.”
 
Income Taxes
Federal and state income taxes decreased $49.3$51.6 million, or 70.3%70.8%, during the first sixnine months of 2011 compared to the first sixnine months of 2010 primarily due to a decrease in pre-tax income.income and tax benefits taken in the prior year income tax return.  The effective income tax rate is different than the federal statutory rate due to state tax expense.
 
FINANCIAL CONDITION

Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
General Considerations and Credit-Related Risks
 
Credit Ratings and Counterparties
Financing for operational needs and capital expenditure requirements not satisfied by operating cash flows depends upon the cost and availability of external funds through both short- and long-term financing.  The inability to raise capital on favorable terms could negatively affect Cleco’s or Cleco Power’s ability to maintain or expand its businesses.  Access
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to funds is dependent upon factors such as general economic and capital market conditions, regulatory authorizations and policies, Cleco Corporation’s and Cleco Power’s credit ratings, the cash flows from routine operations, and the credit ratings of project counterparties.  After assessing the current operating performance, liquidity, and credit ratings of Cleco and Cleco Power, management believes that Cleco and Cleco Power will have access to the capital markets at prevailing market rates for companies with comparable credit ratings.  The following table presents the credit ratings of Cleco Corporation and Cleco Power at JuneSeptember 30, 2011:

 
SENIOR UNSECURED DEBT
 
MOODY’S
STANDARD & POOR’S
Cleco Corporation
Baa3
BBB-
Cleco Power
Baa2
BBB

 
Cleco notes that credit ratings are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold securities and may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating agency.  Each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating.
For the six-monthnine-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2011, there were no changes to Cleco or Cleco Power’s credit ratings or rating agency’s outlooks.  At JuneSeptember 30, 2011, Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s outlooks for both Cleco Corporation and Cleco Power were stable.  Cleco Corporation and Cleco Power pay fees and interest under their bank credit agreements based on the highest rating held.  If Cleco Corporation or Cleco Power’s credit rating were to be downgraded by Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s, Cleco Corporation and/or Cleco Power would be required to post additional fees and incur higher interest rates under their bank credit agreements.  Cleco Power’s collateral for derivatives is based on the lowest rating held.  If Cleco Power’s credit ratings were to be downgraded by Standard & Poor’s or Moody’s, Cleco Power would be required to post additional collateral for derivatives.  
In August 2005, Cleco Power entered into an EPC contract with Shaw to construct Madison Unit 3.  In May 2006, Cleco Power and Shaw entered into an Amended EPC Contract.  Under the terms of the Amended EPC Contract, until the final acceptance of Madison Unit 3, 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.
With respect to any open power or natural gas trading positions that Cleco may initiate in the future, Cleco 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 natural gas, the changes in open power and 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.  
 
Global and U.S. Economic Environment
The current economic environment and uncertainty may have an impact on Cleco’s business and financial condition.  Access to capital markets is a significant source of funding for both short- and long-term capital requirements not satisfied by operating cash flows.  Market conditions during the past few years have limited the availability and have increased the costs of capital for many companies.  Although the Registrants have not experienced restrictions in the financial markets, their ability to access the capital markets may be restricted at a time when the Registrants would like, or need, to do so.  Any restrictions could have a material impact on the Registrants’ ability to fund capital expenditures or debt service, or on their flexibility to react to changing economic and business conditions. Credit constraints could have a material negative impact on the Registrants’ lenders or customers,
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causing them to fail to meet their obligations to the Registrants or to delay payment of such obligations.  The lower interest rates that the Registrants have been exposed to have been beneficial to recent debt issuances; however, these rates have negatively affected interest income for the Registrants’ short-term investments.  
 
Fair Value Measurements
Various accounting pronouncements require certain assets and liabilities to be measured at their fair values.  Some assets and liabilities are required to be measured at their fair value each reporting period, while others are required to be measured only one time, generally the date of acquisition or debt issuance.  Cleco and Cleco Power are required to disclose the fair value of certain assets and liabilities by one of three levels when required for recognition purposes under GAAP.  Other financial assets and liabilities, such as long-term debt, are reported at their carrying values at their date of issuance on the consolidated balance sheets with their fair values disclosed without regard to the three levels.  For additional information about fair value levels, see Item 1, “Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 4 — Fair Value Accounting.”
 
Debt
At JuneSeptember 30, 2011, 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 credit facility or other debt agreements, it would be unable to borrow additional funds under the facility, and the lenders could accelerate all principal and interest outstanding.  Further, if Cleco Power were to default under its credit facility or other debt agreements, Cleco Corporation would be considered in default under its credit facility.  
On October 7, 2011, Cleco Corporation amended its credit facility agreement. Under the amended agreement, Cleco Corporation’s maximum capacity was increased from $200.0 million to $250.0 million, the maturity date was extended to
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October 7, 2016, and the borrowing costs were lowered to equal LIBOR plus 1.50%, plus facility fees of 0.25%.  At September 30, 2011, Cleco Corporation had no borrowings outstanding under its original credit facility.  If Cleco Corporation’s credit ratings were to be downgraded one level, Cleco Corporation would be required to pay fees and interest at a rate of 0.25% higher than the current level for its $200.0current amended $250.0 million credit facility.  A similar downgrade
On October 7, 2011, Cleco Power amended its credit facility agreement. Under the amended agreement, the maturity date was extended to October 7, 2016, and the borrowing costs were lowered to equal LIBOR plus 1.275%, plus facility fees of 0.225%. At September 30, 2011, Cleco Power had no borrowings outstanding under its original credit facility.  If Cleco Power’s credit ratings ofwere to be downgraded one level, Cleco Power would require Cleco Powerbe required to pay fees and interest at a rate of 0.25% higher than the current level on its current amended $300.0 million credit facility.
 
Cleco Consolidated
Cleco had no short-term debt outstanding at JuneSeptember 30, 2011, compared to $150.0 million outstanding at December 31, 2010.  The short-term debt outstanding at December 31, 2010, was a bank term loan Cleco Corporation entered into in February 2010.  The bank term loan had an interest rate of LIBOR plus 2.75% and was set to mature in February 2011.  In January 2011, Cleco extended the bank term loan to mature August 19, 2011, and lowered the interest rate to LIBOR plus 2.50% or ABR plus 1.50%.  In April 2011, Cleco repaid the $150.0 million bank term loan.  As part of the repayment, Cleco paid $0.6 million for accrued interest on the term loan.
At JuneSeptember 30, 2011, Cleco’s long-term debt outstanding was $1.4$1.38 billion, of which $12.7$13.1 million was due within one year, compared to $1.4$1.41 billion outstanding at December 31, 2010, which included $12.3 million due within one year.  The long-term debt due within one year at JuneSeptember 30, 2011, represents principal payments for the Cleco Katrina/Rita storm recovery bonds scheduled to be paid in the next twelve months.  
For Cleco, long-term debt at June 30, 2011, decreased $11.9$28.3 million compared to December 31, 2010, primarily due to a $6.3$12.3 million of scheduled Cleco Katrina/Rita storm recovery bond principal paymentpayments made in March and September 2011, and a $5.0$15.0 million decrease in Cleco’s credit facility draws outstanding.  
At June 30, 2011, Cleco had a workingoutstanding, and $1.3 million of capital surplus of $185.7 million compared to a working capital surplus of $131.2 million at December 31, 2010.  Included in working capital at June 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010,lease payments.  These decreases were $8.1 million and $15.0 million, respectively, which were restricted for the use of debt payments.  The $54.5 million increase in working capital is primarily due to the repayment of the $150.0 million bank term loan and other debt, partially offset by the recognitiondebt premium amortizations of uncertain tax positions and related interest charges expected to be settled in the next 12 months as a current liability, and the reduction of fuel inventories.  $0.3 million.
Cash and cash equivalents available at JuneSeptember 30, 2011, were $162.1$158.2 million combined with $490.0$500.0 million facility capacity ($190.0200.0 million from Cleco Corporation and $300.0 million from Cleco Power) for total liquidity of $652.1$658.2 million.  Cash and cash equivalents available at JuneSeptember 30, 2011, decreased $29.0$32.9 million when compared to cash and cash equivalents available at December 31, 2010.  This decrease is primarily due to the repayment of debt, a contribution to the pension plan, additions to property, plant and equipment, routine working capital fluctuations, and the payment of common dividends.  These decreases were partially offset by a $19.0 million increase from a draw on Shaw’s letter of credit.
At JuneSeptember 30, 2011, Cleco and Cleco Power were exposed to concentrations of credit risk through their short-term investments classified as cash equivalents.  In order to mitigate potential credit risk, Cleco and Cleco Power have established guidelines for short-term investments.  For additional information on the concentration of credit risk through short-term investments classified as cash equivalents, see Item 1, “Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 4 — Fair Value Accounting.”
At September 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, Cleco had a working capital surplus of $179.6 million and $131.2 million, respectively.  The $48.4 million increase in working capital is primarily due to:
§  $150.0 million repayment of a bank term loan in April 2011,
§  $20.4 million net decrease related to changes in the recognition of current taxes and uncertain tax positions and related interest charges expected to be settled in the next 12 months, and
§  $10.3 million reduction in the deferred construction carrying costs owed to customers in the next 12 months.
These increases in working capital were partially offset by:
§  $44.7 million reduction of fuel inventories,
§  $32.9 million decrease in cash and cash equivalents as discussed above,
§  $30.0 million of mark-to-market losses on the treasury rate lock outstanding at September 30, 2011, and
§  $11.4 million net reduction of restricted cash used for GO Zone projects and Cleco Katrina/Rita debt service payments.
 
Cleco Corporation (Holding Company Level)
Cleco Corporation had no short-term debt outstanding at JuneSeptember 30, 2011, compared to $150.0 million outstanding at December 31, 2010.  The short-term debt outstanding at December 31, 2010, was a bank term loan entered into in February 2010.  The bank term loan had an interest rate of LIBOR plus 2.75% and was set to mature in February 2011.  In January 2011, Cleco extended the bank term loan to mature August 19, 2011, and lowered the interest rate to LIBOR plus 2.50% or ABR plus 1.50%.  In April 2011, Cleco repaid the $150.0 million bank term loan.  As part of the repayment, Cleco paid $0.6 million for accrued interest on the term loan.
At JuneSeptember 30, 2011, Cleco Corporation had $10.0 million ofno draws outstanding under its $200.0 million credit facility compared to $15.0 million outstanding at December 31, 2010.  This facility provides for working capital and other needs.  Cleco Corporation and Cleco Power have uncommitted lines of credit with a bank that allow up to $10.0 million each in short term borrowings, but no more than $10.0 million in aggregate, to support their working capital needs.
Cash and cash equivalents available at September 30, 2011, were $11.9 million.  Cash and cash equivalents available at September 30, 2011, increased $6.6 million when compared to cash and cash equivalents available at
 
 
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facility matures on November 23, 2014.  This facility provides for working capital and other needs.  Cleco Corporation’s borrowing costs under the facility are equal to LIBOR plus 2.05%, plus facility fees of 0.45%.  The interest rate on outstanding borrowings under the credit facility at June 30, 2011, was 2.24%.  The existing borrowing had 30-day terms and matured on July 29, 2011, at which time the borrowings were repaid.  An additional line of credit, with a bank, up to $10.0 million is available to support Cleco Corporation’s working capital needs.  
Cash and cash equivalents available at June 30, 2011, were $9.0 million.  Cash and cash equivalents available at June 30, 2011, increased $3.6 million when compared to cash and cash equivalents available at December 31, 2010, primarily due to routine working capital fluctuations.  At June 30, 2011, credit facility draws reduced available borrowings by $10.0 million, leaving an available borrowing capacity of $190.0 million.  
 
Cleco Power
There was no short-term debt outstanding at Cleco Power at JuneSeptember 30, 2011, or December 31, 2010.  At JuneSeptember 30, 2011, Cleco Power’s long-term debt outstanding was $1.4$1.38 billion, of which $12.7$13.1 million was due within one year, compared to $1.4$1.40 billion at December 31, 2010, of which $12.3 million was due within one year.  The $12.7$13.1 million of long-term debt due within one year at JuneSeptember 30, 2011, represents principal payments for the Cleco Katrina/Rita storm recovery bonds scheduled to be paid in the next twelve months.  For Cleco Power, long-term debt decreased $6.9$13.3 million primarily due to a $6.3$12.3 million of scheduled Cleco Katrina/Rita storm recovery bond principal paymentpayments made in March 2011.and September 2011, and $1.3 million of capital lease payments.  These decreases were partially offset by debt premium amortizations of $0.3 million.  
At JuneSeptember 30, 2011, no borrowings were outstanding under Cleco Power’s $300.0 million credit facility.  This facility provides for working capital and other needs.  Cleco Power’s borrowing costs under the facility are equal to LIBOR plus 1.90%, plus facility fees of 0.35%.  An additional lineCorporation and Cleco Power have uncommitted lines of credit with a bank that allow up to $10.0 million also is availableeach in short term borrowings, but no more than $10.0 million in aggregate, to support Cleco Power’stheir working capital needs.
At June 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, Cleco Power had a working capital surplus of $192.6 million and $259.1 million, respectively.  Included in working capital at June 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, were $8.1 million and $15.0 million, respectively, which were restricted for the use of debt payments.  The $66.5 million decrease in working capital is primarily due to a decrease in cash and cash equivalents, the recognition of uncertain tax positions and related interest charges expected to be settled in the next 12 months as a current liability, and the reduction of fuel inventories.  Cash and cash equivalents decreased $35.1 million, as discussed below.  
Cash and cash equivalents available at JuneSeptember 30, 2011, were $149.8$143.0 million, combined with $300.0 million facility capacity for total liquidity of $449.8$443.0 million.  Cash and cash equivalents decreased $35.1$41.9 million, when compared to cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2010, primarily due to the repayment of debt, a contribution to the pension plan, and additions to property, plant and equipment.
At September 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, Cleco Power’sPower had a working capital surplus of $149.2 million and $259.1 million, respectively.  The $109.9 million decrease in working capital is primarily due to:
§  $44.7 million reduction of fuel inventories,
§  $41.9 million decrease in cash and cash equivalents as discussed above,
§  $30.0 million of mark-to-market losses on the treasury rate lock outstanding at September 30, 2011, and
§  $11.4 million net reduction of restricted cash used for GO Zone projects and Cleco Katrina/Rita debt service payments.
These decreases in working capital were partially offset by:
§  $10.3 million reduction in the deferred construction carrying costs owed to customers in the next 12 months, and
§  $3.9 million net increase related to changes in the recognition of current taxes and uncertain tax positions and related interest charges expected to be settled in the next 12 months.

The $32.0 million solid waste disposal facility bonds due in 2038, which were issued by the Rapides Finance Authority for the benefit of Cleco Power in October 2008, were required to be mandatorily tendered by the bondholders for purchase on October 1, 2011, pursuant to the terms of the indenture.  On October 3, 2011, Cleco Power purchased all $32.0 million outstanding bonds at face value plus $1.0 million of accrued interest.  In connection with the purchase, the interest rate of the bonds was converted to a weekly mode and will reset each week based on the SIFMA (Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association) index. The initial interest rate of the bonds at October 3, 2011, was 0.16% per annum. The bonds were issued by the Rapides Finance Authority in connection with a loan agreement between the Rapides Finance Authority and Cleco Power’sPower.  The bonds remain outstanding and Cleco Power will report the bonds as a $32.0 million long-term liability and a corresponding $32.0 million long-term asset.  Interest expense will continue to be recorded with a corresponding amount recorded as interest income, excluding amortization of debt issuance costs. Cleco Power has the option to remarket the bonds for new terms and new interest rates, both to be determined by market conditions.
The $100.0 million GO Zone bonds due in 2038, which were issued by the Louisiana Public Facilities Authority for the benefit of Cleco Power, are required to be mandatorily tendered by the holders for purchase on October 1, 2011, and December 1, 2011, respectively, pursuant to the terms of the respective indentures,indenture governing the bonds, at which time Cleco Power will have the option to either repay all $100.0 million of Cleco Power’s obligations under the respective loan agreementsagreement relating to the bonds and hold the bonds or cause the bonds to be retired, or cause the bonds to be remarketed. Cleco Power expectshas the option to cause the bonds to be remarketed for new terms at new interest rates, both to be determined by market conditions.
 
Midstream
Midstream had no short- or long-term debt outstanding at June 30, 2011, or December 31, 2010.
Cash Generation and Cash Requirements
 
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 its intended purposes and/or general corporate purposes.  At June 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, $35.2 million and $41.0 million of cash, respectively, were restricted on Cleco Corporation’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  At June 30, 2011,Cleco’s restricted cash consisted of $0.1 million underof:  

(THOUSANDS) AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2011  
AT DECEMBER 31, 2010
 
Diversified Lands’ mitigation escrow $97  $97 
Cleco Power’s future storm restoration costs  24,652   25,992 
Cleco Power’s renewable energy grant  600   - 
Cleco Katrina/Rita’s storm recovery bonds  3,554   8,822 
Cleco Power’s GO Zone bonds  -   6,137 
Total restricted cash $28,903  $41,048 
Cleco Katrina/Rita has the Diversified Lands mitigation escrow agreement, $26.4 million reserved at Cleco Power for futureright to bill and collect storm restoration costs $8.1 million atfrom Cleco Katrina/RitaPower’s customers.  As cash is collected, it is restricted for payment of operating expenses, and interest, and principal on storm recovery bondsbonds.  During 2011, Cleco Katrina/Rita has collected $14.5 million net of operating
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expenses.  In March and $0.6September 2011, Cleco Katrina/Rita used $6.3 million reserved atand $6.0 million, respectively for scheduled storm recovery bond principal payments and $3.8 million and $3.7 million, respectively for related interest.  In 2011, Cleco Power forreceived a renewable energy grant received from the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources.  The $5.8 million net decrease in restricted cash from December 31, 2010, to June 30, 2011, is primarily due to the use of Cleco Katrina/Rita funds for a scheduled storm recovery bond payment of $6.3 million and related interest of $3.8 million made in March 2011 and the use of $6.1 million GO Zone bond funds during the six months ended June 30, 2011.  These decreases were partially offset by $9.4 million of collections for Cleco Katrina/Rita funds, $0.6 million of a renewable energy grant received, and $0.4 million in collections of storm recovery costs.
 
Cleco Cash Flows
 
Net Operating Cash Flow
Net cash provided by operating activities was $147.8$262.6 million during the first sixnine months of 2011, compared to $108.0$192.4 million during the first sixnine months of 2010.
Cash provided by operating activities during the first sixnine months of 2011 increased $39.8$70.2 million from the first sixnine months of 2010, primarily due to the following items:
 
§  return on equity investment in Acadia of $58.7 million,
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§  higher collection of receivables of $38.8$47.0 million,
§  sales of fuel oil inventory of $28.0$35.2 million,
§  absence of 2010 Madison Unit 3 construction carrying costs, Acadia Unit 1 acquisition costs, rate case costs, and IRP/FRP costs of $19.9 million,
§  lower vendor payments of $16.3$30.3 million, and
§  lower petroleum coke inventory purchases of $10.5 million.$26.2 million due to the build-up of inventory in 2010.
 
These were partially offset by:
 
§  higher pension plan contributions of $55.0 million,
§  absence of the 2010 collection of a $28.0 million receivable related to the Evangeline transactions,
§  higher vendor payments of $21.7 million, and
§  absence of the 2010 cash portion of the gain related to the Evangeline Restructuring Agreement for $18.5 million,
§  higher income tax payments of $10.6 million, and
§  higher maintenance expenses of $9.6 million.
 
Net Investing Cash Flow
Net cash provided byused in investing activities was $18.2$54.1 million during the first sixnine months of 2011, compared to net cash used of $196.9$234.8 million during the first sixnine months of 2010.  Net cash related toused in investing activities during the first sixnine months of 2011 was higherlower than the first nine months of 2010 primarily due to lower additions to property, plant and equipment, the return of equity investment in Acadia, and lower contributions to the tax credit fund, partially offset by lower additions to property, plant and equipment.  transfers of cash from restricted accounts.
During the first sixnine months of 2011, Cleco had an $89.7 million return of equity investment in Acadia and transferred $5.8 million from restricted accounts, primarily related to GO Zone bonds.  This was partially offset by additions to property, plant and equipment, net of AFUDC, of $63.2$141.9 million and an $18.5 million investment in New Markets Tax Credits.  This was partially offset by an $89.7 million return of equity investment in Acadia and the transfer of $12.1 million of cash from restricted accounts, primarily related to GO Zone bonds and cash restricted for storm costs.
During the first sixnine months of 2010, Cleco had additions to property, plant and equipment, net of AFUDC of $207.5$241.7 million, a $17.6$28.8 million investment in New Markets Tax Credits, and an $8.5 million investment in Acadia.Acadia, and a $0.2 million investment in Oxbow.  This was partially offset by the transfer of $37.7$45.2 million of cash from restricted accounts, primarily related to Evangeline, and GO Zone bonds.bonds, and cash restricted for storm costs.
 
Net Financing Cash Flow
Net cash used in financing activities was $195.1$241.4 million during the first sixnine months of 2011, compared to $4.1$34.9 million during the first sixnine months of 2010.  Net cash used in financing activities during the first sixnine months of 2011 was morehigher than the first sixnine months of 2010 primarily due to lower draws on the revolving credit facility, higher repayments of short-term debt, and the absence of short-term debt issuances.issuances, repurchase of common stock, and higher dividends paid on common stock.  This was partially offset by lower payments on the revolving credit facility and lower retirements of long-term debt.
During the first sixnine months of 2011, Cleco repaid a $150.0 million bank term loan $15.0and $37.3 million of long-term debt, consisting of $25.0 million of credit facility draws and $6.3$12.3 million of long-term bonds.  Cleco also used $32.2$49.2 million for the payment of common stock dividends.dividends and $13.0 million for the repurchase of common stock.  This was partially offset by $10.0 million in credit facility draws.
During the first sixnine months of 2010, Cleco retired $366.1$396.7 million of long-term debt, consisting of $325.0$350.0 million of credit facility draws, $35.2 million of Evangeline debt, and $5.9$11.5 million of long-term bonds.  Cleco also used $28.7$43.8 million for the payment of common stock dividends.  This was partially offset by draws on the revolving$255.0 million of credit facility of $240.0 milliondraws and by the issuance of a $150.0 million bank term loan, which was used to facilitate the acquisition of Acadia Unit 1.
 
Cleco Power Cash Flows
 
Net Operating Cash Flow
Net cash provided by operating activities was $70.8$184.7 million during the first sixnine months of 2011, compared to $34.9$99.7 million during the first sixnine months of 2010.
Cash provided by operating activities during the first sixnine months of 2011 increased $35.9$85.0 million from the first sixnine months of 2010 primarily due to the following items:
 
§  higher collection of receivables of $46.0 million,
§  sales of fuel oil inventory of $28.0$35.2 million,
§  absence of 2010 Madison 3 construction carrying costs, Acadia Unit 1 acquisition costs, rate case costs, and IRP/FRP costs of $19.9$30.3 million,
§  lower vendor paymentspetroleum coke inventory purchases of $12.2$26.2 million due to the build-up of inventory in 2010,
§  lower payments to affiliates of $18.2 million,
§  lower petroleum coke purchases of $10.5$17.1 million, and
§  lower income taxes paid of $7.7 million.
 
These were partially offset by:
 
§  higher pension plan contributions of $55.0 million, and
§  higher maintenance expensesvendor payments of $6.8 million, primarily at Brame Energy Center and Acadia Unit 1.$18.2 million.
Net Investing Cash Flow
Net cash used in investing activities was $48.6 million during the first six months of 2011, compared to $46.4 million during the first six months of 2010.  Net cash used in investing activities during 2011 was comparable to the first six months of 2010.
During the first six months of 2011, Cleco Power had additions to property, plant and equipment, net of AFUDC of $55.6 million.  This was partially offset by the transfer of $5.8 million of cash from restricted accounts, primarily related to GO Zone bonds.
During the first six months of 2010, Cleco Power had additions to property, plant and equipment, net of AFUDC of $53.6 million.  This was partially offset by the transfer of $7.5 million of cash from restricted accounts, primarily related to GO Zone bonds.
 
Net Financing Cash Flow
Net cash used in financing activities was $57.3 million during the first six months of 2011, compared to $81.9 million during the first six months of 2010.  Net cash used in financing activities during the first six months of 2011 was lower than the first six months of 2010 primarily due to $25.0 million of lower distributions made to Cleco Corporation.
 
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Net Investing Cash Flow
Net cash used in investing activities was $112.9 million during the first nine months of 2011, compared to $72.5 million during the first nine months of 2010.  Net cash used in investing activities during the first nine months of 2011 was higher than the first nine months of 2010 primarily due to higher additions to property, plant and equipment.
During the first nine months of 2011, Cleco Power had additions to property, plant and equipment, net of AFUDC of $127.3 million.  This was partially offset by the transfer of $12.1 million of cash from restricted accounts, primarily related to GO Zone bonds and cash restricted for storm costs.
During the first nine months of 2010, Cleco Power had additions to property, plant and equipment, net of AFUDC of $87.3 million.  This was partially offset by the transfer of $15.1 million of cash from restricted accounts, primarily related to solid waste disposal and GO Zone bonds.
Net Financing Cash Flow
Net cash used in financing activities was $113.7 million during the first nine months of 2011, compared to $137.9 million during the first nine months of 2010.  Net cash used in financing activities during the first nine months of 2011 was lower than the first nine months of 2010 primarily due to $25.0 million of lower distributions made to Cleco Corporation.
 
Common Stock Repurchase Program
In January 2011, Cleco Corporation’s Board of Directors approved the implementation of a new common stock repurchase program authorizing management, on behalf of Cleco Corporation, to repurchase, from time to time, shares of common stock so that Cleco Corporation’s diluted average shares of common stock outstanding remain approximately equal to its diluted average shares of common stock outstanding for 2010.  Purchases may be made on a discretionary basis at times and in amounts as determined by management, subject to market conditions, legal requirements, and other factors.  The purchases will not be announced in advance and may be made in the open market or inthrough privately negotiated transactions.  In August 2011, 400,000 shares of Cleco Corporation’s common stock were repurchased under this program.  For additional information, see “Part II — Item 2 — Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds — Common Stock Repurchases.”
 
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 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets while other commitments, some firm and some based on uncertainties, are not reflected in the consolidated financial statements.  
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, 2010.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Commitments and Disclosures about Guarantees
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 and Cleco Power have also 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 the authoritative guidance.  For additional information on off-balance sheet commitments, see Item 1, “Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 11 — Litigation, Other Commitments and Contingencies, and Disclosures about Guarantees — Off-Balance Sheet Commitments” and “— Disclosures about Guarantees.”
 
Regulatory Matters
 
Wholesale Rates of Cleco
For 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, 2010.
 
Retail Rates of Cleco Power
For information concerning amounts accrued and refunded by Cleco Power as a result of the FRP and information on the LPSC Staff’s FRP reviews, see Item 1, “Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 9 — Electric Customer Credits.”
For information on certain 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, 2010.
 
Wholesale Electric Markets
Electric Reliability Organization
In February 2010, the SPP Regional Entity notified Cleco that an audit would be conducted to determine Cleco’s compliance with the NERC Reliability Standard Requirements.  The audit began in April 2010.  Cleco has submitted mitigation plans and evidence of remedial efforts in connection with the SPP’s findings from the April 2010 audit.  Cleco and SPP have agreed to a financial settlement totaling less than $0.1 million, which has been approved by NERC.  Cleco’s next scheduled audit will begin in 2013.  For more information on regulatory
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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, 2010.
 
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, 2010.
 
Generation RFP
 
Renewable Energy Pilot Program
In November 2010, the LPSC established a two-part renewable energy pilot program implementation plan consisting of a research component and aan RFP component.  Cleco Power is meeting the requirements of the research component with research into solar projects, a wind project, and various other renewable projects.  The RFP component of the program requires utilities, collectively, to issue RFPs for 350 MW of renewable energy, with Cleco Power’s share being 43 MW.  However, because Madison Unit 3 is designed to burn biomass fuel, with minor modifications, in addition to its primary fuel, Cleco Power has been given an exception allowing it to conduct aan RFP for biomass fuel along with identifying the costs to co-fire biomass fuel in Madison Unit 3.  As part of this process, during the fourth quarter ofOctober 2011, Cleco Power expects to performperformed a biomass test burn at Madison Unit 3.  The projected costTo date, results of the test burn is approximately $3.0 million, consistingare incomplete.  Cleco Power plans to initiate another test burn in the fourth quarter of $2.0 million2011.  In October 2011, Cleco Power received LPSC approval for recovery of capital modifications, $0.7 million of non-fuel start-up costs, and $0.3 million of biomass fuel.the test burn costs.  Cleco Power’s final RFP for biomass fuel along with its written report to the LPSC regarding the cost of co-firing biomass fuel in Madison Unit 3 is expected to be completed in 2012.  After the LPSC reviews the results of Cleco Power’s RFP, the LPSC
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may authorize Cleco Power to pursue co-firing biomass fuel in Madison Unit 3 or require Cleco Power to conduct an additional RFP for 43 MW of renewable energy as discussed above.  For additional information on Cleco’s renewable energy pilot program, 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, 2010.
 
RFP for Short-Term 2012 Resources
In August 2011, Cleco Power issued an RFP for short-term 2012 resources to enhance reliability for the period January through April 2012.  Cleco Power selected and negotiated two agreements from the RFP, a power purchase agreement with NRG Power Marketing LLC, and a tolling agreement with Evangeline.  In September 2011, Cleco Power filed with the LPSC an application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity for the two agreements.  Because Evangeline is a subsidiary of Cleco, Cleco Power also filed an application with the FERC for authorization to make power sales between affiliates pursuant to Section 205 of the Federal Power Act.
RFP for Contractual Resources to Meet the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule Beginning in May 2012
In September 2011, Cleco Power issued a draft RFP for resources to meet the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule.  A bidders conference was conducted on October 13, 2011, and the final RFP was published on October 21, 2011.  Cleco Power is seeking up to approximately 750 MW of capacity and energy for a three- or five-year term.  An additional RFP is expected to be issued by Cleco Power in 2012 seeking long-term access to resources.  That RFP shall be closely coordinated with the RFP for resources to meet the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule.
Madison Unit 3
In May 2006, Cleco Power began construction of Madison Unit 3, a 600-MW solid fuel power plant.  The unit commenced commercial operations on February 12, 2010.2010, whereby Cleco Power accepted care, custody, and control of the unit.  The Madison Unit 3 budget including AFUDC, Amended EPC Contract costs, and other development expenses remains within 1.6% of its estimated projection of $1.0 billion.  Madison Unit 3 is capable of burning various solid fuels, but initially began operation with consumption of petroleum coke produced by several refineries throughout the Gulf Coast region.  Cleco Power had contracted with three refineries to supply various amounts of the Madison Unit 3 fuel requirements though 2014.  Due to pricing and lower than anticipated consumption at Madison 3 in 2010, Cleco terminated one of the three petroleum coke supply contracts effective December 31, 2010.  Due to operational and economic reasons, in March 2011, Cleco Power purchased various amounts of Illinois basin coal from several suppliers and blended such fuels with petroleum coke throughout 2011 and is assessing the need for additional purchases foranticipated to continue consumption of a blended fuel throughout the year 2012.
In May 2006, Cleco Power and Shaw entered into an Amended EPC Contract to construct the unit, which contract has subsequently been amended by the parties.  Under the amended contract as of September 30, 2011, the lump-sum price for construction of Madison Unit 3 by Shaw was $795.6$805.9 million.  In support of Shaw’s performance obligations, Cleco Power, as of December 31, 2010, retained a letter of credit in the amount of $58.9 million, as well as a $200.0 million payment and performance bond in favor of Cleco Power as specified under the Amended EPC Contract.  In February 2011, Cleco drew on Shaw’s letter of credit in an amount of $19.0 million due to Shaw’s voidance of a fuel related amendment.  Shaw has yet to replenish the letter of credit on this draw amount as provided under the Amended EPC Contract. The outstanding amounts on the letter of credit are provided in support of Shaw’s potential payment of liquidated damages, or other payment performance obligations.
As of June 30, 2011, Cleco Power had incurred approximately $986.4 million in total project costs, including amounts paid under the Amended EPC Contract, AFUDC, and the recovery of $19.0 million from Shaw’s letter of credit.  The Madison Unit 3 budget forecast includes AFUDC, Amended EPC Contract costs, and other development expenses and remains within 1% of its estimated projection of $1.0 billion.  The project achieved commercial operations on February 12, 2010, whereby Cleco Power accepted care, custody, and control of the unit.  Shaw has not reached project completion under the contract, as various performance tests, the reliability test, and specified boiler performance criteria have not been met.  Shaw must correct identified items, complete performance guarantee tests, meet a 30-day reliability performance test, and correct warranty issues by August 11, 2011 or pay certain liquidated damages or financially settle incomplete work.  Cleco Power and Shaw have submitted various claims, relating to the Amended EPC Contract, to arbitration.  On April 30, 2010, Shaw filed a demand for arbitration asserting claims of $32.0 million including impacts due to the 2008 hurricane force majeure, alleged excess fuel moisture, intake water quality and a river embankment slope failure, and the associated recovery of schedule related liquidated damages withheld by Cleco Power.  In May 2010, Cleco Power issued to Shaw a notice of default relating to Shaw’s inability to meet certain material obligations under the Amended EPC Contract.  Furthermore, as a result of Shaw filing the demand for arbitration, certain claims exceeded a $1.0 million threshold, triggering an unwind of certain fuel related matters included in a prior settlement between the parties, Amendment No. 4, and Cleco demanded an associated payment of $19.0 million.  As discussed above, in February 2011, Cleco drew on the ShawShaw’s letter of credit in an amount of $19.0 million for amounts relatingdue to the unwind.  Shaw has also amended its demand for arbitration to contest theShaw’s voidance of a fuel amendment unwind noted above, and is seeking recovery of such amounts in the arbitration proceedings.  Under the arbitration proceedings, Cleco has also filed compulsory counterclaims for liquidated damages associated with Shaw’s inability to meet various guarantees or remedy warranty claims associated with boiler performance burning petroleum coke.related amendment.  Certain of these matters were argued in arbitration hearings which concluded on June 8, 2011.  On June 24,August 5, 2011, the arbitrator announced his decision in favor of Shaw’s claims of Cleco andPower owing Shaw each submitted their proposed resolutions to all
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$32.5 million (including the return of the mattersamounts drawn on Shaw’s letter of credit).  Cleco Power paid this amount on August 22, 2011, which was included as a cost of Madison Unit 3 and reflected as property, plant and equipment.  
Shaw has not reached project completion as defined in dispute in this arbitration proceeding.  Shaw submitted that Cleco owes $32.5 million in satisfaction of all of such matters.  Cleco submitted that it only owes Shaw $4.0 million.the Amended EPC Contract, as various performance tests, the reliability test, and specified boiler performance criteria have not been met.  Under the Amended EPC Contract, Shaw must correct the arbitrator is requiredidentified items, complete the performance guarantee tests, meet a 30-day reliability performance test, and correct certain warranty issues to select one of these two amountsmeet final acceptance, or pay certain liquidated damages and is expected to announce his decision by August 8, 2011.  
Otherfinancially settle incomplete work.  The disputed mattersitems relating to completion of minor or warranty related work, as well asthe liquidated damages for Shaw’s inability to meet performance guarantees, as well as for completion of minor or warranty work, were bifurcated from the current arbitration proceedingproceedings and remains outstanding.  These matters may be resolved through a second arbitration proceeding or potentially settled.
 
Lignite Deferral
At JuneSeptember 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, Cleco Power had $20.4$19.8 million and $21.7 million, respectively, in deferred lignite mining costs remaining uncollected.  
For additional 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, 2010.
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Acadiana Load Pocket Project
In September 2008, Cleco Power entered into an agreement with two other utilities to upgrade and expand interconnected transmission systems in south central Louisiana in an area known as the Acadiana Load Pocket.  The project received LPSC and SPP approval in February 2009.  Cleco Power’s initial portion of the estimated cost was approximately $150.0 million, including AFUDC.  Due to lower material and labor costs than initially expected, Cleco Power’s estimated costs for its portion of the project were reduced to $125.0 million, including AFUDC.  At JuneSeptember 30, 2011, Cleco Power had spent $74.4$86.3 million on the project and expects to incur an additional $23.0$9.6 million during 2011, including AFUDC.  The costs associated with the completed portions of the Acadiana Load Pocket project are included in base revenue.  The project is estimated to be 77%81% complete with the final completion date expected in 2012.  For additional information, please read “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Financial Condition — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Regulatory Matters — Acadiana Load Pocket Project” in the Registrants’ Combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.  For information on the impact the Acadiana Load Pocket project is expected to have on base revenue, see “Results of Operations — Comparison of the Three Months Ended JuneSeptember 30, 2011, and 2010 — Cleco Power — Base.”
 
AMI Project
In May 2010, Cleco Power accepted the terms of a $20.0 million grant from the DOE under the DOE’s small-grant process to implement smart-grid technology for all of Cleco Power’s retail customers.  Cleco Power estimates the project will cost $73.0 million, with the DOE grant providing $20.0 million toward the project and Cleco Power providing the remaining $53.0 million.  The grant program is a part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, an economic stimulus package passed by Congress in February 2009.  Smart-grid technology includes the installation of electric meters that enable two-way communication capabilities between a home or business and a utility company.  At JuneSeptember 30, 2011, Cleco Power had incurred $5.1$6.9 million in project costs, of which $2.3$3.0 million has been submitted to the DOE for reimbursement.  As of JuneSeptember 30, 2011, Cleco Power had received $1.4$2.8 million in payments from the DOE.  The project is expected to be completed in the secondthird quarter of 2013.  For additional information, please read “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Financial Condition — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Other Matters — AMI Project” in the Registrants’ Combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.
 
Teche Unit 4 Blackstart Project
In April 2011, Cleco Power completed work on its project to improve its “blackstart” process (the return of its generation system to service in the event of a total shutdown).  The project was considered complete when a 33-MW gas turbine at Teche Power Station, which has been designated Teche Unit 4, was placed into commercial operation.  At JuneSeptember 30, 2011, Cleco Power had spent $29.4$29.5 million on the project and expects to incur an additional $0.5less than $0.1 million during the remainder of 2011.  For additional information, please read “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Financial Condition ��� Liquidity and Capital Resources — Other Matters — Teche Unit 4 Blackstart Project” in the Registrants’ Combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.
 
Franchises
In 2009, the City of Opelousas conducted a request for proposalsRFP from other power companies to potentially replace Cleco Power’s franchise, which was set to expire on August 11, 2011.  The process did not result in successful bids, and subsequently the Mayor formed a citizens committee to determine if the City of Opelousas should operate its own electricity distribution system or continue the operating and franchise agreement with Cleco Power.  In December 2009, the City of Opelousas requested an extension under the operating and franchise agreement to perform the review.  Cleco Power granted extensions until July 15, 2011 and continued to provide service based on the terms of the existing operating and franchise
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agreement.  On July 14, 2011, the City of Opelousas approved the renewal of its franchise agreement with Cleco Power.  The renewal extends the agreement for 10 years until August 11, 2021.  Approximately 10,000 Cleco Power customers are located in Opelousas.
On July 12, 2011, the Town of Colfax voted to accept the early renewal of its franchise agreement with Cleco Power.  The Colfax agreement was set to expire in February 2013.  The renewal extends the agreement for 30 years until July 2043.  Approximately 800 Cleco Power customers are located in Colfax.
 
Other Franchise Matters
On March 9, 2010, a complaint was filed in the 27th Judicial District Court of St. Landry Parish, State of Louisiana on behalf of three Cleco Power customers in Opelousas, Louisiana.  The complaint alleges that Cleco Power overcharged the plaintiffs by applying to customers in Opelousas the same retail rates as Cleco Power applies to all of its retail customers.  In addition, on May 11, 2010, a second complaint repeating the allegations of the first was filed on behalf of a number of Opelousas residents.  For additional information regarding these complaints, see Item 1, “Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 11 — Litigation, Other Commitments and Contingencies, and Disclosures about Guarantees — City of Opelousas.”
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, 2010.
 
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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 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.  Cleco Power would then seek recovery of additional environmental compliance costs as riders through the LPSC’s environmental adjustment clause or its FRP, or as a base rate adjustment as appropriate.  If Cleco fails to comply with these revisions, reinterpretations, and requirements, it could be subject to civil or criminal liabilities and fines.  
In January 2010, the EPA published a proposed rule to reconsider the 2008 national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) for ozone.  The EPA had proposed to significantly lower the primary ozone standard of 75 parts per billion (ppb) and establish a cumulative, seasonal secondary standard.  This proposed rule was widely criticized by industry which cited flaws in the scientific data used by the EPA to justify a reconsideration of the 2008 NAAQS.  On July 7,September 2, 2011, the EPA releasedwithdrew its proposed rule to reconsider the 2008 NAAQS for ozone.  Now that the EPA has withdrawn its proposed reconsideration, the 2008 NAAQS of 75 ppb is reinstated and the EPA is moving ahead with states, including Louisiana, to implement the 2008 standard.  The EPA now expects to finalize initial area designations for the 2008 ozone NAAQS by mid-2012 using the most up-to-date monitoring data and then will require states to submit formal implementation plans to them, likely by 2015.  This could result in more stringent NOx controls imposed on power plants located in or near these newly designated non-attainment areas.  Since NOx emissions are a finalprecursor to ozone formation, existing fossil fuel-fired units located in or near ozone non-attainment areas could be targeted for installation of additional NOx emission controls.  Cleco cannot determine the potential impact of this rule titled “Federal Implementation Planson its generating units until Louisiana finalizes its attainment designations and develops a state implementation plan for this rule.
On October 6, 2011, the EPA proposed technical adjustments to Reduce Interstate Transport of Fine Particulate Matter and Ozone in 27 States,” which is now referred to as the final Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR).  As finalizedThe proposal addresses discrepancies affecting state budgets in Florida, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Texas, and Wisconsin.  The proposal would also amend the effective date of the assurance penalty by delaying the 3-for-1 penalty provisions from 2012 to 2014.  For Louisiana, the EPA has proposed to increase the CSAPR requires more stringent reductions instate ozone season NOx emissionsallowance budget from covered sources in Louisiana during13,432 to 17,663 allowances.  The EPA cites as the ozone season (May to September) starting in 2012 as compared tobasis for the proposed rule that was issued by the EPA on July 6, 2010.  The CSAPR doesit had not require reductions in NOx emissions on an annual basis or in SO2 emissions from sourcesaccounted for twelve (12) generating units in Louisiana that require significant non-economic dispatch.  As a result, if finalized as had been proposed, byCleco will receive 464 additional allowances which represent a nearly 30% increase from the EPA. The CSAPR will require Cleco’s generation units to reduce NOx emissions duringcurrent rule.  Even with the ozone season and institute an ozone season trading program that may be available toproposed additional allowances, Cleco to meet a portion of the required reductions.  Cleco is evaluatingmust still consider other compliance strategies to meet the requirements of the final rule, including but not limited tooptions such as the installation of additional emission controls, the usepurchase of different fuels, the implementation ofallowances, alternate dispatch schedules for its generating units, and the utilizationacquisition of alternate generation resources to meet its load requirements.  In addition to these compliance options, Cleco is considering the purchase of allowances to help meet the stringent level of NOx reductions imposed on covered sources in Louisiana. At this time, Cleco cannot be certain that any combination of these compliance options will be sufficient to ensure compliance with the final rule’s required NOx reduction levels.  More detailed analyses are required for each of the options to enable management to definitively determine a compliance path.  Moreover, the availability of and cost to purchase allowances to meet the NOx reduction requirements is uncertain at this time and is beyondallocation required for Cleco’s control.units.  If Cleco cannot obtain sufficient ozone season allowances to cover its ozone season emissions, then Cleco could face significant fines and penalties and/or it may not be able to meet its customer’s demand.  While the capital costs, other expenditures, or operational restrictions necessary to comply with the CSAPR cannot be specified at this time, compliance with the CSAPR could require significant capital investments or operational changes in Cleco’s generation fleet.
On March 28, 2011, the EPA proposed regulations which would establish standards for cooling water intake structures at existing power plants and other facilities pursuant to section 316(b) of the Clean Water Act (CWA). The proposed standards respond to decisions by appellate courts remanding earlier EPA efforts to establish section 316(b) standards.  The standards are intended to protect fish and other aquatic wildlife by minimizing capture both in screens attached to intake structures (impingement mortality), and in the actual intake structures themselves (entrainment mortality).  The proposed standards would not impose a uniform requirement to install a closed-cycle cooling system, or cooling towers.  For existing facilities that are designed to draw at least two million gallons per day of water from waters of the United States and use at least twenty-five (25) percent of the water they withdraw exclusively for cooling, the proposed standards would (1) set a performance standard, measured as a fish mortality rate due to impingement, or reduce the flow velocity at cooling water intakes to less than 0.5 feet per second, and (2) require entrainment standards to be determined on a case-by-case basis by state delegated permitting authorities.  As proposed, the rule would require the installation of cooling towers (or a technology of comparable effectiveness) at new units installed at existing facilities.  Facilities subject to the proposed standards would have a maximum of eight years to comply with the impingement requirements, although state permitting authorities would have discretion to set a shorter deadline.  Compliance with entrainment standards would be required “as soon as possible,” by a date to be determined by the same permitting authorities.  As proposed, portions of the rule would apply to all Cleco fossil fuel steam electric generating stations rather than just the Teche and Coughlin facilities as reported in the Registrants’ Combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2011.  However, until more thorough studies are conducted, including technical and economic evaluations of the control options available, Cleco remains uncertain which technology option or retrofit would be required to be installed on its cooling water intake structures and the associated costs of those modifications assuming that the rule is finalized as proposed; however, the costs of required technology options and retrofits could be significant.
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, 2010.
 
Recent Authoritative Guidance
For a discussion of recent authoritative guidance, see Item 1, “Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 2 — Recent Authoritative Guidance” of this Combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which discussion is incorporated herein by reference.
 
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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. 
In August 2011, Cleco Power entered into a treasury rate lock contract in order to mitigate the interest rate exposure on coupon payments related to a forecasted debt issuance.  The notional amount of the treasury rate lock is $150.0 million, with a pricing date of November 14, 2011, or the date of issuance of the debt, whichever is earlier.  The treasury rate lock meets the criteria of a cash flow hedge under the authoritative guidance as it relates to derivatives and hedging.  The 3.77% rate lock was based on the 30-year treasury note yield as of August 12, 2011.  At September 30, 2011, the 30-year treasury note yield was 2.89%, which resulted in Cleco Power recognizing a $30.0 million unrealized mark-to-market loss in other comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011.  The offsetting liability was recorded on Cleco and Cleco Power’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as an interest rate risk management liability.  There was no impact to earnings due to ineffectiveness for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011.  At September 30, 2011, this derivative qualified as a cash flow hedge because management determined that the interest payments related to the forecasted debt instrument were probable of occurring and the hedge was highly effective.  Events could occur subsequent to September 30, 2011, that could cause the interest payments related to the forecasted debt issuance not to occur, the debt issuance to occur for an amount less than $150.0 million, or to result in ineffectiveness in the hedging relationship.  If the interest payments related to the forecasted debt issuance do not occur, the debt issuance occurs for an amount less than $150.0 million, or results in ineffectiveness, then all, or a portion of the then current mark-to-market loss, or gain, is required to be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to earnings.  For amore information about the treasury rate lock contract, see Item 1, “Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” and “Note 4 — Fair Value Accounting — Treasury Rate Lock.”
For an additional 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, 2010.
 
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 sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2011, and JuneSeptember 30, 2010.  The following narrative analysis should be read in combination with Cleco Power’s Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes contained in this Combined Quarterly Report on 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) and Item 3 (Defaults upon Senior Securities).  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 sixnine months of 2011 and the first sixnine months of 2010.  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, 2010.
For an explanation of material changes in the amount of revenue and expense items of Cleco Power between the secondthird quarter of 2011 and the secondthird quarter of 2010, see “— Results of Operations — Comparison of the Three Months Ended JuneSeptember 30, 2011, and 2010 — Cleco Power” of this Combined Quarterly Report on 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 sixnine months of 2011 and the first sixnine months of 2010, see “— Results of Operations — Comparison of the SixNine Months Ended JuneSeptember 30, 2011, and 2010 — Cleco Power” of this Combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which discussion is incorporated herein by reference.

 
 
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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 also is subject to market risk associated with its tolling agreement counterparty.  For additional information concerning Cleco’s market risk associated with its 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 applies the authoritative guidance as it relates to derivatives and hedging 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 since Cleco Power 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, aggregate counterparty credit exposure, and aggregate counterparty concentration levels.  Cleco 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
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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.
Access to capital markets is a significant source of funding for both short- and long-term capital requirements not satisfied by operating cash flows.  Market conditions during the past few years have limited the availability and have increased the costs of capital for many companies.  The inability to raise capital on favorable terms could negatively affect Cleco’s ability to maintain and expand its businesses.  After assessing the current operating performance, liquidity, and credit ratings of Cleco, management believes that it will have access to the capital markets at prevailing market rates for companies with comparable credit ratings.  Cleco Corporation and Cleco Power pay fees and interest under their respective credit facilities based on the highest rating held.  If Cleco Corporation or Cleco Power’s credit ratings were to be downgraded by Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s, Cleco Corporation or Cleco Power, as the case may be, would be required to pay additional fees and higher interest rates under their respective credit facilities.  Cleco Power’s collateral for derivatives is based on the lowest rating held.  If Cleco Power’s credit ratings were to be downgraded by Standard & Poor’s or Moody’s, Cleco Power would be required to pay additional collateral for derivatives.
 
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.  For details, see Item 1, “Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 5 — 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.
At JuneSeptember 30, 2011, Cleco had no short-termshort- or long-term variable rate debt outstanding.  At June 30, 2011, Cleco Corporation had long-term variable rate debt outstanding of $10.0
The $100.0 million in the form of borrowings under its $200.0 million four-year credit facility at an interest rate of 2.24%.  The borrowings under the credit facility are considered to be long-term as the credit facility does not expire until 2014.  The borrowing costs under the facility are equal to one-month LIBOR plus 2.05%, plus facility fees of 0.45%.  The existing borrowing had 30-day terms and matured on July 29, 2011, at which time the borrowings were repaid.  Each 1% increase in the interest rate applicable to such debt would have resulted in a $0.1 million decrease in pre-tax earnings.
Cleco Power’s solid waste disposal facility bonds due 2038 and Cleco Power’s GO Zone bonds due in 2038, which were issued by the Louisiana Public Facilities Authority for the benefit of Cleco Power, are required to be mandatorily tendered by the holders for purchase on October 1, 2011, and December 1, 2011, respectively, pursuant to the terms of the respective indentures,indenture governing the bonds, at which time Cleco Power will have the option to either repay all $100.0 million of Cleco Power’s obligations under the respective loan agreementsagreement relating to the bonds and hold the bonds or cause the bonds to be retired, or cause the bonds to be remarketed. Cleco Power expectshas the option to cause the bonds to be remarketed for new terms at new interest rates, both to be determined by market conditions.Each 1% increase in the interest rate applicable to such debt would result in a $1.0 million decrease in pre-tax earnings.
In August 2011, Cleco Power entered into a treasury rate lock contract in order to mitigate the interest rate exposure on coupon payments related to a forecasted debt issuance.  The notional amount of the treasury rate lock is $150.0 million, with a pricing date of November 14, 2011, or the date issuance of the debt, whichever is earlier.  The treasury rate lock meets the criteria of a cash flow hedge under the authoritative guidance as it relates to derivatives and hedging.  The 3.77% rate lock was based on the 30-year treasury note yield as of August 12, 2011.  At September 30, 2011, the 30-year treasury note yield was 2.89%, which resulted in Cleco Power recognizing a $30.0 million unrealized mark-to-market loss in other comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011.  The offsetting liability was recorded on
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Cleco and Cleco Power’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as an interest rate risk management liability.  There was no impact to earnings due to ineffectiveness for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011.  For every one basis point change in the reference rate, the value of the treasury rate lock changes by approximately $0.3 million.  
 
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), and regulatory compliance staff, as well as monitoring by a risk management committee comprised of officers and the General Manager – Internal Audit, who are approved by Cleco Corporation’s Board of Directors.  Risk limits are recommended by the Risk Management Committee and monitored through a daily risk report that identifies the current VaR, current market conditions, and concentration of energy market positions.
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 customer fuel costs, as encouraged by an LPSC order.  Cleco Power’s fuel stabilization policy targets higher levels of minimum hedging percentages and mitigates 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 energy 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 JuneSeptember 30, 2011, the net mark-to-market impact related to open natural gas positions at JuneSeptember 30, 2011, were losseswas a loss of $7.7$5.7 million.  The majorityAll of these natural gas positions will close over the next twelve months.  Deferred losses relating to closed natural gas positions at JuneSeptember 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, totaled $2.1$1.3 million and $1.6 million, respectively.  
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.
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2011 2ND QUARTER FORM 10-Q
Based on these assumptions, the VaR relating to Cleco Power’s hedge transactions for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2011, as well as the VaR at December 31, 2010, is summarized below.

 
FOR THE THREE MONTHS
 ENDED JUNE 30, 2011
  
FOR THE THREE MONTHS
 ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2011
 
(THOUSANDS) 
HIGH
  
LOW
  
AVERAGE
  
HIGH
  
LOW
  
AVERAGE
 
Fuel cost hedges $1,374.4  $756.4  $1,084.6  $820.4  $379.4  $580.2 

 
FOR THE SIX MONTHS
 ENDED JUNE 30, 2011
  

AT JUNE 30
,
  

AT DECEMBER 31,
  
FOR THE NINE MONTHS
 ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2011
  
AT
SEPTEMBER 30,
  
AT DECEMBER 31,
 
(THOUSANDS) 
HIGH
  
LOW
  
AVERAGE
  
2011
  
2010
  
HIGH
  
LOW
  
AVERAGE
  
2011
  
2010
 
Fuel cost hedges $1,458.3  $756.4  $1,133.8  $756.4  $1,346.0  $1,458.3  $379.4  $946.3  $379.4  $1,346.0 
 
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.  
Cleco Power had no short- or long-term variable-rate debt as of JuneSeptember 30, 2011.
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.  
 
 
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ITEM 4.     CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES


Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of JuneSeptember 30, 2011, evaluations were performed under the supervision and with the participation of Cleco Corporation and Cleco Power LLC (individually, “Registrant” and collectively, the “Registrants”) management, including the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO).  The evaluations assessed the effectiveness of the Registrants’ disclosure controls and procedures.  Based on the evaluations, the CEO and CFO have concluded that the Registrants’ disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by each Registrant in reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms; and that the Registrants’ disclosure controls and procedures are also effective in ensuring that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Registrants’ management, including the CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting
Under the supervision and with the participation of the Registrants’ management, including the CEO and CFO, the Registrants evaluated changes in internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended JuneSeptember 30, 2011, and found no change that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
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2011 2ND3RD QUARTER FORM 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 Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 11 — Litigation, Other Commitments and Contingencies, and Disclosures about Guarantees — Litigation.”
 
CLECO POWER


For information on legal proceedings affecting Cleco Power, see Part I, Item 1, “Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 11 — Litigation, Other Commitments and Contingencies, and Disclosures about Guarantees — Litigation.”

 
ITEM 1A.      RISK FACTORS

Other than the update to the risk factor below, thereThere have been no material changes from the risk factors disclosed under the heading “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of the Registrants’ Combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2011 (the “Second Quarter 2011 Form 10-Q”) and Combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 (the “2010 Annual Report on 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 2010 Annual Report onSecond Quarter 2011 Form 10-K.  The risk factor below should be read in conjunction with the risk factors disclosed in10-Q and the 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Weather Sensitivity
 
The operating results of Cleco Power are affected by weather conditions and may fluctuate on a seasonal and quarterly basis.
Weather conditions directly influence the demand for electricity, particularly kWh sales to residential customers.  In Cleco Power’s service territory, demand for power typically peaks during the hot summer months.  As a result, Cleco Power’s financial results may fluctuate on a seasonal basis.  In addition, Cleco Power has sold less power, and consequently earned less income, when weather conditions were milder.  Unusually mild weather in the future could have a material adverse impact on the Registrants’ results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows.
Severe weather, including hurricanes and winter storms, can be destructive, causing outages and property damage that can potentially result in additional expenses and lower revenue.  Extreme drought conditions can impact the availability of cooling water to support the operations of generating plants, which can also result in additional expenses and lower revenue.

ITEM 2.UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Common Stock Repurchases
Purchases of Equity Securities
On June 24,In January 2011, Cleco Corporation redeemed all 10,288 outstandingCorporation’s Board of Directors approved the implementation of a new common stock repurchase program.  This program authorizes management to repurchase, from time to time, shares of its 4.5% preferred stock.  The redemption price was $101 per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends to the redemption date, or $101.296 per share.  As of June 30, 2011, nocommon stock so that Cleco’s diluted average shares of 4.5% preferredcommon stock were outstanding.outstanding remain approximately equal to its diluted average shares of common stock outstanding for 2010.  Under this program, purchases may be made on a discretionary basis at times and in amounts as determined by management, subject to market conditions, legal requirements and other factors.  Purchases under the program will not be announced in advance and may be made in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions.
The following table summarizes the 4.5% preferredcommon stock redeemedrepurchases by Cleco Corporation during the quarter ended JuneSeptember 30, 2011:

PERIOD 
TOTAL NUMBER OF
 SHARES PURCHASED
  
AVERAGE PRICE PAID PER SHARE*
  
TOTAL NUMBER OF SHARES
 PURCHASED AS PART OF PUBLICLY
 ANNOUNCED PLANS OR PROGRAMS
  
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF SHARES
THAT MAY YET BE PURCHASED
UNDER THE PLANS OR PROGRAMS
 
April 2011  -  $-  $-  $- 
May 2011  -  $-  $-  $10,288 
June 2011  10,288  $101.00  $10,288  $- 
* Accrued and unpaid dividends of $0.296 per share were paid in addition to the redemption price of $101 per share.
         
PERIOD 
TOTAL NUMBER OF
 SHARES PURCHASED
  
AVERAGE PRICE PAID PER SHARE
  
TOTAL NUMBER OF SHARES
 PURCHASED AS PART OF PUBLICLY
 ANNOUNCED PLANS OR PROGRAMS
  
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF SHARES
THAT MAY YET BE PURCHASED
UNDER THE PLANS OR PROGRAMS
 
July 2011  -  $-   -   400,000 
August 2011  400,000  $32.49   400,000   -*
September 2011  -  $-   -   - 
*Management does not anticipate repurchasing any shares of common stock during the fourth quarter of 2011. Pursuant to the objectives of the program, repurchases under the program should resume in 2012.
 

ITEM 5.       OTHER INFORMATION

On October 28, 2011, the Board of Directors (Board) of Cleco Corporation adopted the Cleco Corporation Executive Severance Plan (Executive Plan) to be effective as of such date.  As an alternative to benefits previously provided by employment agreements, the Executive Plan provides severance and change in control benefits to senior officers, officers, and general managers in the event of a change in control, provided that a qualifying termination has occurred and certain additional conditions are satisfied.  Since Cleco Corporation’s general managers currently are covered by the Cleco Corporation Severance Pay Plan, which was adopted by Cleco Corporation in 2009, a conforming amendment to that plan removing general managers as covered employees also was approved by the Board on October 28, 2011, effective as of that date.   
In addition, the Board adopted amendments to the SERP, the LTICP, and the Cleco Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan (Deferred Compensation Plan) effective October 28, 2011.  These amendments eliminate the business transaction benefit in the SERP and LTICP.  The SERP amendment also prospectively reduces the eligibility period during which change in control benefits can be triggered to conform to the period in the Executive Plan and eliminates the requirement that a participant also be a party to an employment agreement to receive change in control benefits.  The Deferred Compensation Plan amendment adds a definition of business transaction which previously was included only by reference to the LTICP.
 
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2011 2ND3RD QUARTER FORM 10-Q
 


ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

CLECO CORPORATION
 
3.1
Bylaws of Cleco Corporation, revised effective October 29, 2011
10.1
Cleco Corporation Executive Severance Plan, effective October 28, 2011
10.2
Cleco Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan Amendment, effective October 28, 2011
10.3
Summary of Director Compensation, Benefits and Policies, Last Revised on July 5,29, 2011
10.4
Cleco Corporation 2010 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan Amendment, effective October 28, 2011
10.5
Cleco Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan Amendment, effective October 28, 2011
10.6
First Amendment dated as of October 7, 2011 to the Credit Agreement dated as of November 23, 2010 among Cleco Corporation, various financial institutions, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Cleco Corporation Form 8-K (file no. 001-15759), filed with the SEC on October 14, 2011)
 
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-nine-, and twelve-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2011, 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
 
101.INS*
XBRL Instance Document
 
101.SCH*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
 
101.CAL*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
 
101.DEF*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
 
101.LAB*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
 
101.PRE*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
 

CLECO POWER
 
10.7
First Amendment dated as of October 7, 2011 to the Credit Agreement dated as of November 23, 2010 among Cleco Power LLC, various financial institutions, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Cleco Power LLC Form 8-K (file no. 001-05663), filed with the SEC on October 14, 2011)
12(b)
Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges for the three-, six-nine-, and twelve-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2011, 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
 
101.INS*
XBRL Instance Document
 
101.SCH*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
 
101.CAL*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
 
101.DEF*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
 
101.LAB*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
 
101.PRE*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
 
  
*XBRL information is furnished and not filed for purposes of Sections 11 and 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and is not subject to liability under those sections, is not part of any registration statement or prospectus to which it relates and is not incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference into any registration statement, prospectus or other document.
 
 
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2011 2ND3RD QUARTER FORM 10-Q
 
 
SIGNATURES


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//s/ R. Russell Davis                                          
 
R. Russell Davis
 
Vice President - Investor Relations & Chief Accounting Officer




Date:  August 3,November 2, 2011




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 - Investor Relations & Chief Accounting Officer




Date:  August 3,November 2, 2011

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