Standard&Poor's Ratings Services has assigned its 'AA' rating to the City of Colorado Springs, Colo.'s utilities system revenue bonds series 2013A. At the same time, Standard&Poor's affirmed its 'AA', 'AA/A-1+', and 'AA/A-1' ratings on the utilities' parity debt outstanding. The outlook is stable. A pledge of net revenues of Colorado Springs Utilities' (CSU) electric, gas, water, wastewater, and streetlight systems secures the bonds. Bond proceeds will refund existing debt. Total debt outstanding amounts to $2.25 billion. The 'AA' rating reflects what we consider to be the following credit strengths: The city council's willingness to set rates that provide generally strong debt service coverage (DSC) and good liquidity; Competitive rates in each of its four utility systems,
