New England states protest grid operator's budget

Associated Press

Updated: Nov 28, 2012 1:59 PM

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — State attorneys general, regulators and consumer advocates in Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire and Rhode Island are protesting proposed budget increases requested by New England's electric grid operator.

State officials said in a filing with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on Wednesday that ISO-New England's $165 million budget request for 2013 isn't justified.

State officials said the region's ratepayers bear the costs of running ISO and asked federal regulators to allow more state involvement in the budget process.

The ISO, which is based in Holyoke, Mass., said ISO's budget process is transparent and that state officials have several opportunities to become involved.

In its filing, the ISO backed its budget request by citing higher interest expense for debt and saying it's added positions related to gas as a growing energy source.

Copyright 2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Political Pulse

We welcome your thoughtful comments. Be the first to participate in the discussion. All comments will display your username and avatar.