RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina environmentalists have made a last-ditch effort to block what will become the nation’s largest electric utility.

Duke Energy has been trying for a year and a half to merge with Progress Energy and has one final hurdle to clear before the coupling — the blessing of the North Carolina Utilities Commission. Six commissioners met with representatives from the energy companies and the environmental group Monday to review information on the impact of the merger. The conclusion of the meeting has kicked off a countdown to a decision.