Utah Power declined to identify the bidders or to say how many proposals it had received.

Despite its problems, Utah Power could be an attractive acquisition, several analysts said.

Utah Power stood yesterday at $24.50, down $1.125.

Up close, you can just make out the words: "Utah Power and Light Company, 40, 1973."

Eventually the plant was acquired by Utah Power and Light.

On July 29, Utah Power announced that it had received a takeover bid and its share price soared by $4.

The deal might also permit Utah Power to delay the construction of a new plant, they add.

"Utah Power fits right into this pattern," he said.

"Utah Power is perceived as financially weak and vulnerable to a possible merger," he said.

Utah Power supplies electricity to customers in three Western states.