From Earlier: Massachusetts DPU Approves NU–NSTAR Merger

The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities yesterday approved the merger between Northeast Utilities

and NSTAR

. The approval comes 18 months after the companies first announced the merger anticipated to save customers $780 million in the next 10 years. The DPU also approved the settlement agreements the companies reached with the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources and the Attorney General which ensure rate benefits for customers along with increased environmental commitments.