The 'AA' rating on Colorado Springs, Colo.'s utility system subordinate-lien revenue bonds reflects the following strengths: The competitive rates and diverse revenue mix provided by the city's four utilities (electric, gas, water, and wastewater); Continued strong financial performance despite recent pressures; Proactive management; and The continued diversification of the strong local area economy (Colorado Springs' GO rating is 'AA'). The rating also is supported by the electric system's competitiveness, which contributes to its strong business profile of "2" out of Standard&Poor's 10-point scale, with "1" being the best. The series 2000B bonds are secured by a subordinate lien on net revenues of the combined utility systems and are being issued for the utilities' equity contribution to Front Range
