Utility Merger Clears Hurdle

The proposed merger between Puget Sound Power & Light Co. and the Washington Energy Co. may have cleared one of several hurdles, a spokeswoman for the state Utilities and Transportation Commission said Wednesday.

The utilities have reached agreement with UTC regulators and the state attorney general’s office on several issues, including customer rates, spokeswoman Marilyn Meehan said.

The agreement, the particulars of which were filed late Wednesday at the UTC, still must be approved by the three-member commission.

Even if that happens, the commission ultimately may decide not to approve a merger of the two companies into a single entity to be called Puget Energy.

Still to be satisfied are concerns filed by large industrial customers and regional public utilities.