Theydeclined to discuss terms of the deal, which will require approval by theFederal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which regulates interstatetransmission of electricity, natural gas and oil.

BP Wind Energy North America, a unit of UK oil and gas groupBP, has asked FERC for a positive ruling by mid-February to close the deal withPattern, the officials say.  FERC did notimmediately return a phone call seeking comment.

Electricity