Variable Interest Entities (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Variable Interest Entities [Abstract]

Accounting Policy - Equity Investments

Cleco reports its investments in VIEs in accordance with the authoritative guidance.  Cleco and Cleco Power report the investment in Oxbow on the equity method of accounting.  Under the equity method, the assets and liabilities of this entity are reported as equity investment in investees on Cleco and Cleco Power’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The revenue and expenses of this entity are netted and reported as equity income or loss from investees on Cleco and Cleco Power’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

Prior to April 30, 2011, Cleco Corporation also reported its investment in Cajun on the equity method of accounting.  In conjunction with the disposition of Acadia Unit 2, APH received 100% ownership in Acadia in exchange for its 50% interest in Cajun, and Acadia became a consolidated subsidiary of APH.