U.S. approves merger of DPL Inc. with AES Corp.

DAYTON — The federal government on Tuesday approved the proposed merger of DPL Inc. into AES Corp., leaving only approval from Ohio still needed to clear the way for the $3.5 billion marriage of the energy companies.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission concluded its six-month examination by finding that the merger is “consistent with the public interest” and would have no adverse impact on electric rates. Rates charged by the DPL-owned Dayton Power and Light Co. are locked in through 2012 at levels already approved by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.