Cleco Corporation Declares Regular Common and Preferred Dividends

PINEVILLE, LA--(Marketwire - July 25, 2008) - The Board of Directors of Cleco Corporation (NYSE: CNL) today declared regular quarterly dividends on the Company's common stock and preferred stock. Following is a summary of dividend payments, as declared:

                        Dividend         Record               Payment
Class of Stock          Declared          Date                  Date

Common Stock             $0.225       August 4, 2008       August 15, 2008

4.5% Preferred Stock     $1.125       August 15, 2008     September 1, 2008

The Company has a dividend reinvestment plan which allows dividends on its common and preferred stock to be reinvested in additional shares of common stock at market price. Brokerage commissions and administrative fees are incurred on dividend purchases.

Cleco Corp. is a regional energy company headquartered in Pineville, La. It operates a regulated electric utility company that serves about 273,000 customers across Louisiana. Cleco also operates a wholesale energy business with approximately 1,350 megawatts of name plate capacity. For more information about Cleco, visit www.cleco.com.

Contact Information: Investor Contacts: Cleco Corporation: Ryan Gunter (318) 484-7724 Shareholder Services: Rodney Hamilton (318) 484-7593 Analyst Inquiries: Dresner Corporate Services Kristine Walczak (312) 780-7205 Media Contact: Cleco Corporation Fran Phoenix (318) 484-7467