The Edison Electric Institute (EEI) presented Cleco Power with two Emergency Response Awards for power recovery efforts following Hurricane Francine and mutual assistance following Hurricane Helene.

Presented to EEI member companies twice a year, Emergency Response Awards recognize recovery and assistance efforts of electric companies following service disruptions caused by extreme weather or other natural events. Cleco was chosen by a panel of judges following an international nomination process.

EEI has recognized Cleco with 30 awards since the program’s inception in 1998, earning 18 Recovery awards and 12 Assistance awards.

“It’s an honor to be recognized once again by EEI with these two awards for our work during the 2024 hurricane season,” said Bill Fontenot, president and CEO of Cleco Corporate Holdings LLC. “It means so much to be recognized for restoring power to our Cleco customers, and also to our neighbors who understand the challenges hurricane season can bring.”

Hurricane Francine made landfall in September 2024 near Morgan City, Louisiana as a Category 2 storm. Nearly 43,000 customers experienced power outages in Cleco’s Acadiana and Northshore regions. Approximately 75% of customers had power restored within 24 hours and all customers who lost power were restored within 72 hours.

Hurricane Helene made landfall in September 2024 in Florida as a Category 4 storm. Damage spanned multiple states including Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. Approximately four million power outages were reported.

Cleco line crews and personnel from Pineville, Rosepine, New Iberia, Bunkie, Opelousas and Covington spent two weeks in Pensacola, Florida and Valdosta, Georgia assisting Florida Power & Light and Georgia Power with restoration after Hurricane Helene.

“Throughout 2024, America’s electric companies and their dedicated workforce answered the call to help restore power and hope to communities impacted by extreme weather events and natural disasters,” said EEI interim President and CEO Pat Vincent-Collawn. “EEI commends Cleco for its efforts to respond safely and efficiently to the aftermath of Hurricane Francine. We also applaud Cleco for aiding neighboring electric companies in their times of need after Hurricane Helene. Cleco and its storm response team are extremely deserving of these well-earned emergency recovery and assistance awards.”