NEW YORK (Standard & Poor's) Dec. 6, 2004--Standard & Poor's Ratings Services said today that Public Service Co. of Colorado's (PS Colorado; BBB/Stable/--) proposed settlement submitted to the Colorado Public Utility Commission (CPUC) should strengthen the company's overall financial profile. The settlement has been endorsed by the major participants in PS Colorado's Least-Cost Plan negotiations. The plan is a review of power sources to meet electricity demand over the next several years. The settlement calls for a minimum 16% reserve margin over expected load requirements and incorporates the construction of a coal-fired power plant near Pueblo, Colo., as well as electricity from renewable sources and a program to promote efficient electricity use by consumers (demand side management). In support of
