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D.C. Regulators Reopen Review of Washington Gas Pipeline Plan Following Challenge by Schwalb, Consumer Advocates

July 27, 2026

The D.C. Public Service Commission will hold a two-day rehearing to reconsider Washington Gas Light Company's $215 million pipeline replacement proposal for 2025-2027, following requests from the Attorney General, Office of the People's Counsel, and Sierra Club. Critics argue the project is behind schedule and over budget, having spent nearly $400 million over twelve years while replacing only a small portion of aging pipes and seeing dangerous gas leaks increase by 40 percent. The proposed work would be funded through customer surcharges that have already contributed to a 13% increase in gas bills, with opponents warning the program provides insufficient cost controls and locks the District into paying for infrastructure that may become obsolete.

Who is affected

  • D.C. residents and businesses (paying higher utility bills through surcharges)
  • Washington Gas Light (WGL) Company (facing regulatory scrutiny of its proposal)
  • D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb's office
  • Office of the People's Counsel
  • Sierra Club DC Chapter
  • D.C. Public Service Commission (regulatory body)

What action is being taken

  • The Public Service Commission is holding a two-day rehearing (scheduled for Monday and Tuesday)
  • Attorneys representing the District are cross-examining Washington Gas witnesses about the project, costs, and customer impacts
  • Washington Gas is seeking approval for the next phase of its District SAFE program

Why it matters

  • This matters because D.C. residents are facing an affordability crisis with skyrocketing utility bills, yet the pipeline replacement program has underperformed while costs escalate. Despite spending nearly $400 million over twelve years, dangerous Grade 1 gas leaks increased 40% and only a small portion of aging pipes have been replaced. The program locks ratepayers into funding expensive fossil fuel infrastructure that may become obsolete as the District pursues environmental goals, while the projected timeline and cost (150 years and $6.2 billion) raises serious questions about the program's viability and value for customers.

What's next

  • The commission will consider whether to require stronger safeguards before approving the next phase of Washington Gas' pipeline replacement program
  • Attorneys will continue pressing regulators during the rehearing to address concerns about cost controls, repair prioritization, and alignment with the District's environmental goals

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer

D.C. Regulators Reopen Review of Washington Gas Pipeline Plan Following Challenge by Schwalb, Consumer Advocates