Speaker Pro Tem Johnson urges PSC to protect Cleco jobs during potential sale

Central Louisiana residents are poised to benefit from a significant resolution passed by the Louisiana House Appropriations Committee on May 6, 2025. The committee approved House Concurrent Resolution 11, which urges the Louisiana Public Service Commission (PSC) and Cleco Power to ensure that any potential sale of the utility company preserves existing jobs.

Speaker Pro Tem Johnson, who introduced the resolution, emphasized Cleco's vital role in the community, noting that it is one of the largest employers in Central Louisiana, with approximately 600 permanent jobs at its headquarters in Pineville. Johnson highlighted the company's historical significance, tracing its roots back to 1906 as an ice company before transitioning to electricity provision in 1935. He expressed concerns about the potential loss of jobs if Cleco were to be sold, urging the PSC to prioritize employee retention in any sale agreement.

The resolution calls on the PSC to consider the impact on employees as one of the key factors in approving any transfer of ownership. This aligns with the PSC's General Order of 1994, which outlines 18 factors to be considered during such approvals, including the fairness and reasonableness of the sale for affected employees.

During the meeting, committee members voiced their support for the resolution, acknowledging the importance of protecting local jobs while also recognizing the need for the PSC to maintain regulatory oversight of the utility. The discussions underscored the balance between safeguarding employment and allowing the utility to operate efficiently.

As Cleco's future remains uncertain, the resolution serves as a proactive measure to ensure that the interests of Central Louisiana's workforce are prioritized. The PSC's response to this request will be closely watched by community members, who are eager to see how the potential sale will unfold and its implications for local employment and economic stability.