The rating on West Penn Co. reflects the consolidated credit profile of its parent, Allegheny Energy Inc. (Allegheny), whose credit quality is determined along with that of its unregulated subsidiary, Allegheny Energy Supply Co. LLC (AE Supply), and its other regulated utility subsidiaries, Monongahela Power Co. and Potomac Edison Co. As of Sept. 30, 2006, Greenbsurg, Pa.-based West Penn Power had $490 million of long-term debt. Standard&Poor's Ratings Services rates Allegheny's business profile as '7' (weak). (Business profiles are categorized from '1' (excellent) to '10' (vulnerable)). The rating on parent Allegheny reflects capped tariff rates in Pennsylvania and exposure to coal and emission credits that could impose pressure on the company's financial profile. These weaknesses are partially mitigated
