New York state's Public Service Commission unanimously approved National Grid's multibillion-dollar takeover of KeySpan, Long Island's natural gas provider, amid ethics questions.

In a statement, Assemblyman Marc Alessi, a vocal critic of the merger, said he was shocked and dismayed.

"By ignoring swirling suspicions and investigations of apparent questionable behavior involving PSC commissioners, the commission has succeeded in abiding by the deadline established by special interests, but by doing so, has done an incredible disservice to Long Islanders," Alessi said through the statement.

Alessi is now calling for a legislative investigation into a meeting between Public Service Commission Chairwoman Patricia Acampora and a National Grid lobbyist. PSC rules do not prohibit such meetings, although Alessi said they should.

London-based National Grid has promised savings for ratepayers, but it has already proposed a rate hike.

Attorney Irving Like, who represents homeowners suing for the billion-dollar cleanup of abandoned toxic gas plant sites, doesn't believe National Grid's leadership will benefit ratepayers.

"If there are savings, they are so razor thin they'll be overwhelmed by having to clean up all those plants," Like said.

The gas takeover would also affect the Long Island Power Authority, which manages the Island's electricity. LIPA currently hires thousands of union workers from KeySpan for its operations. LIPA CEO Richard Kessel believes things will still run smoothly, but retains the ability to opt out of the contract.

"I have every expectation in talking to National Grid executives they are going to follow our orders just like KeySpan has done," said Kessel.

Related Information:AssemblymanAlessi's statement on mergerKeySpan-NationalGrid merger details reveal price hikeLIPAtrustees approve KeySpan-National Grid contract