Blumenthal slams ISO-New England

New Haven (WTNH) - Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal is challenging a request by New England's electricity grid operator for nearly $100 million in salaries, executive compensation, lobbying and other costs.

Blumenthal called the amount excessive and unjustified. He filed a motion with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission asking for hearings to contest its 2009 budget request.

Blumenthal says ISO-New England leaders are already among the highest compensated grid operator executives in the nation and accused them of imposing anticompetitive market rules.

A telephone message was left with ISO-New England.

ISO New England Inc. is a non-profit based in Holyoke, Mass. It oversees the region's wholesale electricity market.