NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fitch Ratings has assigned a 'BBB+' rating to Xcel Energy Inc.'s (Xcel) $500 million issuance of senior notes, composed of two $250 million tranches. The 1.2%, two-year notes maturing June 1, 2017 and the 3.3%, 10-year notes maturing June 1, 2025 are both unsecured and will rank pari passu with Xcel's existing unsecured notes. The Rating Outlook is Stable. Net proceeds will be used for the repayment of short-term debt and other general corporate purposes. KEY RATING D