Fitch has surveyed capital raising trends of Australian power and utility companies in the wake of the global financial crisis, covering the A$13.8 billion of bank debt, bonds and equity raised by the sector, excluding government-owned entities, during the 16-month period to April 2010. Power and utility companies have generally retained good access to capital despite the global financial crisis. While bank debt continues to be the most important funding source, capital markets debt and equity have also been essential, said Fitch. Following the global financial crisis, corporate treasurers are increasingly diversifying their sources of capital.Despite huge financing requirements, Australian debt capital markets were a relatively minor funding source for power and utility companies. Local bond investors funded only one transaction, just 10 per cent by value of total capital markets investment, and approximately  two per cent of all capital raised.The sector will continue to require significant amounts of capital in 2011 and 2012 to refinance debt obligations and fund large capital investment plans. Fitch expects that finance providers will continue to support the sector, although over-leveraged businesses and carbon intensive generators will be less favourably positioned.