BAY STATE GAS <BGC> PREFERRED UPGRADED BY S/P
Standard and Poor's Corp said it raised
to A from A-minus Bay State Gas Co's preferred stock.
    S and P affirmed the company's A-rated senior debt and A-1
commercial paper. Bay State has 75 mln dlrs of long-term debt
and preferred outstanding.
    The rating agency said its action mainly reflected debt
redemptions. S and P also said the outlook for firm sales
growth is positive because of a vibrant regional economy.
 Reuter
