Liam Denning, Columnist

Rick Perry's Plan Looks DOA But Could Spark a Dynegy Deal

Signs point to higher power prices, which could force Vistra to act.
Photographer: Allison Joyce/Getty Images
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The intellectual rigor underpinning Energy Secretary Rick Perry's proposed subsidy for coal-fired and nuclear power plants was captured best in the response given last week by the 'Dancing With The Stars' alumnus to a congressman's question about the plan's projected cost:

When it comes to M&A, though, intellectual rigor is only part of the equation; tactics and plain old second-guessing are equally important. So even if Perry's black-lungs-matter1508423242944 plan ultimately doesn't fly, it may yet help tip the balance in the most talked-about potential deal in the power sector: Vistra Energy Corp. buying Dynegy Inc.