We upgraded integrated electric and natural gas utility holding company Xcel Energy Inc. and three of its subsidiaries to 'A-' from 'BBB+' to because of the company's regulated utility strategy and our expectation of strengthening financial measures. We affirmed the 'A-' rating on subsidiary Northern States Power Wisconsin (NSP-Wisconsin). The outlooks are stable and we maintain the business risk profiles as 'excellent' and financial risk profiles as 'significant'. NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) June 23, 2010--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services raised the corporate credit rating on Xcel and its subsidiaries Northern States Power Co., Public Service Co. of Colorado, and Southwestern Public Service Co. to 'A-' from 'BBB+'. At the same time, we affirmed the 'A-' corporate credit rating on
