Cleco Launches a First-of-Its-Kind AI-Powered Chatbot on Clecodev.com
PINEVILLE, La. – Site selection just got faster. Today Cleco announced the launch of a first-of-its-kind, AI-powered chatbot, now live on clecodev.com. The chatbot, named Ted AI, is designed to provide immediate, personalized business intelligence to site selectors and companies exploring opportunities in Cleco-served communities.
Built by place marketing specialist Development Counsellors International specifically for economic development use, Ted AI pulls directly from Cleco’s resources such as rate structures, infrastructure data, and site specifications to instantly deliver tailored insights. By accelerating access to critical information, the tool helps users move faster and make more informed decisions.
“Being recognized as a 2026 Top Utility is about more than delivering power – it’s about speed, transparency, and service,” said Richard Cornelison, Director of Economic Development for Cleco Power. “Ted AI reflects that commitment by giving site selectors and companies immediate access to the information they need, when they need it, helping investors move from questions to next steps faster.”
Ted AI serves as a shared knowledge hub for regional and state economic development organization partners, providing consistent messaging, unified project updates, and streamlined access to Cleco’s economic development resources.
The platform delivers intelligence across a wide range of topics, including workforce availability and talent metrics, cost-of-doing-business analysis, tax incentives and financial advantages, industry peer comparisons, major employer databases, and infrastructure capacity and readiness.
“Ted AI changes how prospects experience Cleco from the very first interaction,” said Eric Schouest, Vice President of Marketing and Government Affairs for Cleco Power. “It allows us to tell our story with clarity and credibility, helping companies quickly understand what sets our communities apart and why Cleco is a strong long-term partner.”
In addition to answering real-time questions, Ted AI can analyze past inquiries and chatbot usage to identify trends, predict future demand, and highlight high potential sites or industries for proactive outreach – supporting Cleco’s long-term economic development strategy.
Users can copy and share transcripts of their conversations, ensuring continuity and follow-up throughout the site selection and evaluation process.
Ted AI is now live at clecodev.com.