Regulators approve a merger between Great Plains Energy and Aquila.

The Missouri Public Service Commission voted 2-1 with little debate, allowing the two utilities to join together. Regulators are drafting a more than 200-page order that will take effect July 11.

Commission Chairman Jeff Davis had recused himself from the merger case after complaints that he spoke with both utilities about the plan before it was announced.

Great Plains Energy is the parent company for Kansas City Power & Light. In its updated merger request filed earlier this year, the utility says it would keep Aquila's