EXHIBIT 23
COOPERS                  CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
& LYBRAND L.L.P.

                       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. 2-79671,
33-10169, 33-38362 and 33-44663) and Form S-3 (Nos. 33-24895, and 33-62950) of
our reports dated January 26, 1996, on our audits of the consolidated financial
statements and financial statement schedule of Central Louisiana Electric
Company, Inc. as of December 31, 1995 and 1994 and for each of the three years
in the period ended December 31, 1995, which reports are included or
incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.

New Orleans, Louisiana
March 27, 1996