Exhibit 16 ---------- (Letterhead of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.) August 21, 1997 Securities and Exchange Commission 450 5th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20549 Gentlemen: We have read the statements made by NorAm Energy Corp. (copy attached), which we understand will be filed with the Commission, pursuant to Item 4 of Form 8-K, as part of the Company's Form 8-K report filed on August 21, 1997. We agree with the statements concerning our Firm in such Form 8-K. Very truly yours, Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.