PAGE




                                  EXHIBIT 1







                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS





We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements of
Central Louisiana Electric Company, Inc. on Form S-8 (Registration Nos. 33-10169
and 33-44663) of our report dated May 20, 1994, on our audits of the financial
statements and supplemental schedules of Central Louisiana Electric Company, 
Inc. 401(k) Savings and Investment Plan as of December 31, 1993 and 1992 and for
the years then ended, which report is included in this Annual Report on Form 
11-K.



COOPERS & LYBRAND
New Orleans, Louisiana
June 29, 1994



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