FERC’sapproval is the final regulatory authorization required to close the $2.635bn transaction,which both sides expect to occur on 1 April. Aside from 30 wind projects in 11states, NRG will also acquire 4.3GW of coal-fired generation capacity and otherassets.

NRG saysthe deal will create the second-largest US power company with capacity tosupply nearly 48 million homes, and the third largest renewable energygenerator here.