CHICAGO (AP) - Vistra Energy says it plans to close four downstate power plants to comply with tighter air-emissions requirements.

Irving, Texas-based Vistra announced Wednesday it would close plants in the towns of Coffeen, Canton, Havana and Hennepin that employ a total of nearly 300 workers.

The closures require approval from regional grid operators, which can order plants be kept open if they're needed for reliability. If that doesn't happen, Vistra plans to close them by the end of the year.

Crain's Chicago Business reports the largest of the plants being closed is in Coffeen, with 915 megawatts of generating capacity. Thwe Duck Creek plant in Canton generates 425 megawatts.

Vistra has seven other Illinois power plants.

Information from: CRAIN'S CHICAGO BUSINESS.

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