What eventually might force action, though, is a hard line from environmental regulators.

That deal fell apart in 2000, however, because of opposition from regulators.

But some of its research has drawn criticism from federal regulators.

But, she added, the programs can be a window for abuse because there is no good scrutiny from regulators.

Commonwealth, which offered 10.75 percent for the last three days, was not under pressure from regulators to cut the rate, he said.

There is also the pressure from legislators and regulators in some states.

It has published a report of various environmental impacts using reports from federal and state regulators.

Fines from regulators would simply be considered a cost of doing business.

The utility has been under pressure from regulators and customers to cut rates.

But both companies and analysts said they expected no objections from regulators.