NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) April 10, 2003--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services said today that it views Public Service Co. of Colorado's (BBB/Watch Dev/A-3) rate settlement as positive for the company's long-term credit profile. The Colorado Public Utility Commission is expected to approve the settlement at a hearing scheduled for April 28, 2003. This is Public Service Colorado's first rate case in 10 years, and the outcome seems both fair and reasonable. At 10.75% and 11%, electric and gas rates of return on equity, respectively, should allow the company to earn a level of income that supports a reasonably strong financial profile. Importantly, the settlement calls for full pass through of fuel and purchased power costs in 2003 and then,
