On Oct. 16, 2007, Standard&Poor's Ratings Services raised its corporate credit rating on integrated electric and natural gas utility holding company Xcel Energy Inc. and all its vertically integrated utility subsidiaries-- Northern States Power Co. (NSP-Minnesota), Public Service Co. of Colorado (PSCo), and Southwestern Public Service Co. (SPS)--to 'BBB+' from 'BBB'. In addition, Standard&Poor's raised its corporate credit rating on subsidiary Northern States Power Wisconsin (NSP-Wisconsin) to 'A-' from 'BBB+'. The outlooks are stable. The upgrade reflects Xcel's strengthening business profile, exhibited by supportive regulation, particularly in Colorado, Minnesota, and Wisconsin where more than 90% of consolidated operating cash flow is derived. Supportive regulation includes rate riders, cost recovery trackers, forecasted test periods, and the ability
