FERC Delays Review of Vistra’s $6.3 Billion Energy Harbor Deal, Competition Concerns Persist in Ohio Markets.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has extended its review of Vistra’s proposed $6.3 billion deal to buy Energy Harbor’s nuclear power plants and retail electric business by about six months to April 11, delaying the potential close. The Federal Communications Commission and Nuclear Regulatory Commission have signed off on the merger, leaving FERC the remaining regulatory hurdle for VistRA and Energy Harbor to close the deal. The proposed sale of the two power plants will not offset the harm the transaction would have on competition in Ohio’�s retail electricity markets and on consumers who rely on the market for lower prices and greater innovation. The Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel, or OCC, and the Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council, known as NOPEC, continue to oppose the transaction.