Is Cleco Power LLC cheaper than Southwest Louisiana E M C?

No — in 2024 Cleco Power LLC customers averaged 12.33 cents/kWh versus 11.55 for Southwest Louisiana E M C (EIA-861). Southwest Louisiana E M C was cheaper by 0.78 cents, about $84 per year at 10,800 kWh.

Can I switch from Cleco Power LLC to Southwest Louisiana E M C?

No — distribution territories are exclusive and set by address; you cannot pick between the two wires companies. Louisiana has no residential supplier shopping either; rates are set in utility-commission proceedings.

Why is Cleco Power LLC more expensive than Southwest Louisiana E M C?

EIA-861 averages reflect everything customers actually paid — supply costs, delivery rates, riders, and surcharges across each territory. Differences in generation mix, grid investment, storm costs, and customer density between Cleco Power and Southwest Louisiana E M C territory all feed the 0.78-cent gap.

Cleco Power LLC vs Southwest Louisiana E M C: Which Is Cheaper? (Louisiana, 2024)

Southwest Louisiana E M C customers paid less: an average 11.55¢/kWh in 2024 versus 12.33¢/kWh at Cleco Power LLC (EIA-861) — a gap of 0.78¢/kWh, worth about $84 per year at typical usage (10,800 kWh/yr). Their territories meet in 7 LA counties (Acadia, Avoyelles, Evangeline, …). You cannot switch wires companies — the territory is set by your address.

Side by side (LA, EIA-861)

Cleco Power LLC vs Southwest Louisiana E M C — residential averages from federal EIA-861 filings
Metric	Cleco Power LLC	Southwest Louisiana E M C
2024 average price, ¢/kWh	12.33	11.55
2023 average price, ¢/kWh	12.44	11.57
Annual cost at 10,800 kWh, $/yr	$1,332	$1,248
Residential customers (2024)	251,927	108,368
Ownership	Investor-owned	Co-op
Counties served in LA	24	9

Average price = residential revenue ÷ sales (bundled service): the all-in price customers actually paid, including supply, delivery and riders. Profiles: Cleco Power LLC · Southwest Louisiana E M C · Louisiana overview.

Where the territories meet

Both utilities file EIA-861 service territory in: Acadia · Avoyelles · Evangeline · Iberia · St Landry · St Martin · Vermilion counties (LA, 2024).

Adjoining or overlapping territory in a county does not mean households there can pick between the two — service maps are parcel-level and fixed. The county overlap mainly matters when choosing where to live or comparing town-level costs.

Can you actually choose between them?

No — not for delivery. Distribution territories are exclusive and set by address; Cleco Power LLC and Southwest Louisiana E M C do not compete for the same meters. Louisiana is a regulated retail market — there is no residential supplier shopping; rates are set in utility-commission proceedings (lpsc.louisiana.gov). The price gap above mainly matters when choosing where to live, comparing towns, or benchmarking your bill.

Questions people ask

Is Cleco Power LLC cheaper than Southwest Louisiana E M C?: No — in 2024 Cleco Power LLC customers averaged 12.33 cents/kWh versus 11.55 for Southwest Louisiana E M C (EIA-861). Southwest Louisiana E M C was cheaper by 0.78 cents, about $84 per year at 10,800 kWh.
Can I switch from Cleco Power LLC to Southwest Louisiana E M C?: No — distribution territories are exclusive and set by address; you cannot pick between the two wires companies. Louisiana has no residential supplier shopping either; rates are set in utility-commission proceedings.
Why is Cleco Power LLC more expensive than Southwest Louisiana E M C?: EIA-861 averages reflect everything customers actually paid — supply costs, delivery rates, riders, and surcharges across each territory. Differences in generation mix, grid investment, storm costs, and customer density between Cleco Power and Southwest Louisiana E M C territory all feed the 0.78-cent gap.

About these numbers. Rates shown are averages computed from federal regulatory filings (EIA Form 861) and public tariff databases — confirm with your utility before making decisions; your actual rate depends on your tariff, usage, and riders. Distribution utility is determined by address and generally cannot be chosen; in retail-choice states you may choose your supplier for the supply portion of the bill. Savings figures use 10,800 kWh/yr (US average residential usage) and are estimates, not quotes. EnergySavings is an independent data project by CertiHomes and is not affiliated with any utility, supplier, or government agency.