Standard&Poor's today said that although the ratings of XCEL Energy Inc. (A-/A-2) and its subsidiaries Northern States Power Co., Northern States Power–Wisconsin, Public Service Co. of Colorado, and Southwestern Public Service Co. will remain on CreditWatch with negative implications pending a full review of XCEL'S consolidated credit profile--including the credit profile of XCEL'S largest subsidiary, NRG Energy Inc. (BBB-/--)--XCEL'S management has expressed its intent to take whatever steps are necessary to support the 'A-2' commercial paper rating at the holding company and at each of the utility subsidiaries. Standard&Poor's resolution of the CreditWatch listing of XCEL and its subsidiaries will take into account that commitment.
