HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) -- State attorneys general, regulators and consumer advocates in Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire and Rhode Island said Wednesday a proposed budget requested by New England's electric grid operator is excessive.
The officials said in a filing with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission that ISO-New England's $165 million budget request for 2013 "has grown exponentially, seemingly without regard to poor economic conditions."
State officials say the region's ratepayers bear the cost of running ISO and asked federal regulators to require more state involvement in the budget process.
ISO, which is based in Holyoke, Mass., said its proposed 2013 operating budget -- costs to run the agency minus depreciation and other expenses -- is about $136 million.
In addition, it said its budget process is transparent and that state officials have several opportunities to become involved.