NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) Dec. 21, 2005--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services said today that while unfavorable to Aquila Inc.'s (B-/Watch Pos/B-3) credit quality, the Missouri Court of Appeals' decision to affirm an earlier circuit court order against Aquila in its South Harper plant case does not affect the company's current rating. The court's most recent ruling increases the likelihood that the plant may have to be relocated. This would involve moderate but immediate cash outlays to return the Cass County site to its previous condition. The company continues to evaluate several options regarding the plant, including seeking additional authority from the Missouri Public Service Commission. A reasonable likelihood that Aquila will need to dismantle and relocate its 315 MW
