NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) Nov. 17, 2005--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services said today that it raised its rating on diversified energy company Aquila Inc.'s (B-/Watch Pos/B-3) $300 million five-year secured credit facility to 'B+' from 'B'. All of the ratings on Aquila remain on CreditWatch with positive implications, where they were placed Sept. 22, 2005. As of September 2005, the Kansas City, Mo.-based company had about $2 billion in total debt outstanding. The upgrade follows the company's decision to amend its credit agreement such that debt secured by Aquila unit Missouri Public Service's regulated electric assets is restricted at effectively $425 million, down from $522 million, over the next five years. The recovery rating on the facility remains '1',
