Note 5 — Debt

Short-term Debt

At March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, Cleco and Cleco Power had no short-term debt outstanding.

Long-term Debt

At March 31, 2013, Cleco’s long-term debt outstanding was $1.33 billion, of which $16.6 million was due within one year. The long-term debt due within one year at March 31, 2013, represents $14.4 million principal payments for the Cleco Katrina/Rita storm recovery bonds and $2.2 million of capital lease payments.

For Cleco, long-term debt decreased $17.5 million from December 31, 2012, primarily due to $60.0 million of solid waste disposal bonds reacquired in March 2013, a $10.0 million reduction in Cleco Corporation’s credit facility draws, a $7.1 million scheduled Cleco Katrina/Rita storm recovery bond principal payment made in March 2013, and a $0.5 million decrease in capital lease obligations. These decreases were partially offset by a $60.0 million bank term loan entered into in March 2013 and debt discount amortizations of $0.1 million.

At March 31, 2013, Cleco Power’s long-term debt outstanding was $1.32 billion of which $16.6 million was due within one year. The long-term debt due within one year at March 31, 2013, represents $14.4 million principal payments for the Cleco Katrina/Rita storm recovery bonds and $2.2 million of capital lease payments.

For Cleco Power, long-term debt decreased $7.5 million primarily due to $60.0 million of solid waste disposal bonds reacquired in March 2013, a $7.1 million scheduled Cleco Katrina/Rita storm recovery bond principal payment made in March 2013, and a $0.5 million decrease in capital lease obligations. These decreases were partially offset by a $60.0 million bank term loan entered into in March 2013 and debt discount amortizations of $0.1 million.

Cleco Power’s $60.0 million solid waste disposal facility bonds due 2037, which were issued by the Rapides Finance Authority for the benefit of Cleco Power in November 2007, were required to be mandatorily tendered by the bondholders for purchase on March 1, 2013, pursuant to the terms of the indenture. The bonds were issued in connection with a loan agreement between the Rapides Finance Authority and Cleco Power. On March 1, 2013, Cleco Power purchased all $60.0 million outstanding bonds at face value plus $1.6 million of accrued interest with Cleco Power’s revolving credit facility. In connection with the purchase, the interest rate of the bonds will reset each week based on the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association index. The initial interest rate of the bonds at March 1, 2013, was 0.11% per annum. Interest expense will continue to be recorded with a corresponding amount recorded as interest income, excluding amortization of debt issuance costs. Although the bonds remain outstanding, Cleco Power has the right to redeem and cancel the debt at any time without approval of the Rapides Finance Authority. In accordance with the authoritative guidance, the bonds are considered extinguished and Cleco Power is holding the debt as treasury bonds, resulting in a net presentation on Cleco and Cleco Power's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Cleco Power has the option to remarket the bonds for new terms and new interest rates, both to be determined by market conditions.

On March 20, 2013, Cleco Power entered into a bank term loan agreement in the amount of $60.0 million. The interest rate under the agreement at March 31, 2013, was 1.085%. The interest rate is based on LIBOR and resets on a monthly basis. Proceeds of the loan agreement were used to repay draws under Cleco Power's revolving credit facility. The loan matures on May 29, 2015.

Credit Facilities

At March 31, 2013, Cleco Corporation had $15.0 million borrowings outstanding under its $250.0 million credit facility at an interest rate of 1.71%. The borrowings under the credit facility are considered to be long-term because the credit facility expires in 2016. The borrowing costs under the facility are equal to one-month LIBOR plus 1.50% or ABR, plus facility fees of 0.25%. The existing borrowings had 30-day terms. The $15.0 million draw matured and was renewed on April 29, 2013.

At March 31, 2013, Cleco Power had no borrowings outstanding under its existing credit facility.