One of the largest natural gas utilities could be created in a $9.1 billion merger deal after two of four state regulatory approvals were granted. Michigan’s and Wisconsin’s Public Service Commissions approved Wisconsin Energy Corp’s (We energies’ parent company), acquisition of Integrys Energy Group based in Chicago. Illinois and Minnesota would need to approve the merger as well. The merged companies named WEC Energy Group would serve half of all Wisconsin utility customers although We energies and Wisconsin Public Service Corporation would remain separate. It would expand Wisconsin natural gas utility to the greater Chicago area and parts of Minnesota and Michigan. No savings to rate payers are anticipated as a result of this merger and the location of the corporate headquarters, now in Milwaukee, has not been determined. See JS