Standard&Poor's Ratings Services has affirmed its 'A+' long-term rating and underlying rating (SPUR) on Austin, Texas' separate-lien electric utility system revenue bonds. The outlook is positive. At the same time, Standard&Poor's affirmed its 'AA' SPUR rating and stable outlook on the city's prior first lien combined utility revenue bond. The ratings reflect our assessment of the general creditworthiness of the system (Austin Energy), which includes its: Diversified generation resource mix that consists of coal, gas, and efficient nuclear for base load; Competitive rates, even given the increase pending before city council, and a rate structure that also includes a separate cost-recovery component that allows Austin Energy to true-up for fuel costs or purchased-power costs; Strong liquidity,
