Ameren Selling Newton Power Station, Other Illinois Plants

Ameren Corp. is getting out of the power generation business to focus on power transmission.

The company has agreed to sell five Illinois power plants to Dynegy Corp., a move that will make Houston-based Dynegy one of the largest operators of coal-fired plants in the state.

Ameren is selling the Coffeen station south of Springfield, plus plants in Canton, Bartonville, Joppa and Newton.  The companies say the sale will not affect the natural gas or electric rates paid by Illinois consumers.