1
                                                                      EXHIBIT 23



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, 33-62950
and 333-02895) of our reports dated January 29, 1997, on our audits of the
consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule of Central
Louisiana Electric Company, Inc. as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and for the
years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, 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 25, 1997