Aquila layoff total to grow to 700

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Energy wholesaler Aquila Inc. announced 200 layoffs on Wednesday, bringing its planned total to 700.

Aquila had previously announced 500 layoffs. On Tuesday, an Aquila spokesman said 150 more were planned. On Wednesday, the company announced 200 layoffs, apparently including the 150 announced Tuesday.

The layoffs are coming in Aquila's Merchant Services and corporate staffs. Nearly 150 of the positions are in the company's Kansas City headquarters; the rest are scattered among offices elsewhere

In March, Aquila began pushing to shore up its credit rating. Moody's Investor Services said on Monday it will review Aquila's debt status for a possible downgrade.

"This is a difficult decision but one that had to be made to ensure Aquila is able to compete in today's more stringent financial markets and operating environment," president and chief executive officer Robert K. Green said in a written statement.