David M. Eppler elected executive vice president of CLECO.

PINEVILLE, La.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 27, 1997--The Board of Directors of Central Louisiana Electric Company Inc. (NYSE:CNL) elected David M. Eppler, 46, to the position of executive vice president effective Jan. 24, announced Gregory L. Nesbitt, president and chief executive officer.

Eppler was serving as the company's vice president of power supply and energy transmission, a position he held since 1995. He is located at CLECO's General Office in Pineville.

"As executive vice president, David will maintain the duties of his former position, but will also be working more closely with me on matters of corporatewide import," Nesbitt said.

Eppler joined CLECO in 1981 and has served in a number of executive positions, including vice president of finance, treasurer and chief financial officer. Before joining CLECO, Eppler held positions with the Public Service Company of New Mexico and Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Company.

He spent his childhood in Hobbs, New Mexico, graduating from Hobbs High School there. He attended New Mexico Tech University and holds a BS degree in mathematics and an MBA degree from the University of New Mexico.

CLECO provides electric services to approximately 222,000 customers in 23 parishes of Louisiana.

CONTACT: CLECO

Michael P. Prudhomme, 318/484-7649

Rodney J. Hamilton, 318/484-7593