The rating on West Penn Power Co. reflects the consolidated credit profile of parent Allegheny Energy Inc., which incorporates the credit quality of utility subsidiaries, West Penn Power Co., Monongahela Power Co., and Potomac Edison Co., in conjunction with the higher business risk of unregulated generation subsidiary, Allegheny Energy Supply Co. LLC (AE Supply). Allegheny's consolidated credit quality reflects a strong business risk profile and an aggressive financial risk profile whereas West Penn's business risk profile is considered excellent. Greensburg, Pa.-based Allegheny had $4.15 billion of debt as of June 30, 2008. A phased transition through higher capped prices to market rates in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia over the next few years, valuable coal-based assets that will benefit from market-based
