Standard&Poor's Ratings Services assigned its 'A+' standard long-term rating, and stable outlook, to Austin, Texas', doing business as Austin Energy, series 2006A parity separate-lien electric utility system revenue refunding bonds and affirmed its 'A+' Standard&Poor's underlying rating (SPUR), with a stable outlook, on Austin's separate-lien revenue bonds. The ratings reflect the utility's: Diversified generation resource mix that consists of coal and efficient nuclear power for base load with the addition of a combined cycle unit in 2004, paid for with cash, that is allowing management to phase out older combustion turbine units; Competitive rates with a separate fuel cost recovery component that allows Austin Energy to true up in the event of high wholesale fuel costs
