By Ivan Penn
A Florida consumer agency joined a growing list of challengers to the merger between Progress Energy and Duke Energy, saying the deal needs further scrutiny.
The Florida Consumer Action Network, a Tampa-based nonprofit organization, became the latest of about 10 groups to call for a new hearing on the $26 billion merger because of concern it could hurt Duke and Progress customers.
FCAN is backing environmental and consumer watchdog group NC WARN’s request filed Monday with the North Carolina Utilities Commission for a public hearing to review fresh concerns about the merger. If the request is awarded, it could delay the close of the merger, which Progress and Duke hope to complete before the deal expires July 8.
