New England states, grid operator settle dispute
New England states, electric grid operator settle complaint over regional agency's budget
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) -- New England's grid operator and attorneys general, regulators and consumer advocates in four states have settled a dispute over the regional agency's proposed budget.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission said Tuesday that ISO-New England, based in Holyoke, Mass., and state officials in Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire and Rhode Island agreed to a settlement in principle. Details are not available as a formal settlement is being worked out.
Officials last November criticized ISO's $165 million budget request for 2013. They said spending grew too much in the weak economy.
ISO said its operating budget minus depreciation and other expenses is about $136 million. It said it added positions related to gas as a growing energy source and cited higher interest expense for debt. And it allocated $1 million for in transmission planning and other areas.
