Diversity of geography, fuel, and economy; Credit supportive regulation; Plant operating efficiency; and Ongoing cost cutting. Aggressive capital spending program; High dependence on continuing supportive rate treatment; and Large purchased power obligations. The rating on integrated electric and natural gas utility holding company Xcel Energy Inc. is based on the consolidated credit profile of Xcel and its vertically integrated utility subsidiaries--Northern States Power Co. (NSP-Minnesota), Northern States Power Wisconsin (NSP-Wisconsin), Public Service Co. of Colorado (PSCo), and Southwestern Public Service Co. (SPS). Minneapolis, Minn.-based Xcel had $8.6 billion of debt, including $400 million of junior subordinated notes. Xcel utilities serve 3.3 million electric and 1.8 million natural-gas customers in eight different states with its largest operations in Minnesota and Colorado.
