The District of Columbia (District) is at a critical juncture in managing the future of its gas distribution system. Demand for natural gas is declining, while public policy, market, and technology trends are accelerating the transition towards electrification. Forward-looking planning can help mitigate the risk of proceeding with large-scale capital investments that may not align with the District’s climate goals or long-term customer needs. Such misalignment would expose customers to higher rates, stranded asset risks, and inequitable cost burdens.
On December 10, 2024, the Public Service Commission (PSC) issued Order No. 22339 in Formal Case No. 1167, requesting initial comments on the feasibility of establishing a gas planning proceeding in the District. On April 28, 2025, the DC Government filed comments strongly supporting the creation of a comprehensive gas planning process with robust stakeholder involvement to
- Align utility investments and operations with the District’s clean energy policies and recent market and technology trends, and
- Consolidate multiple proceedings that the PSC established on gas investment and climate issues.
The purpose of this paper is to outline a gas planning framework that identifies the least-cost, least-risk set of investments, resources, and actions needed to meet all District policies, including emissions-reduction targets. A robust planning process would ensure that system risks are prioritized appropriately and that the gas utility focuses limited resources on “worst first” projects that improve the safety and reliability of the gas system.
The straw proposal presented here outlines a comprehensive approach to gas planning that emphasizes transparency, data-driven analysis, and robust stakeholder involvement. It establishes a regular cadence for long-term plan filings, sets expectations for demand forecasting and capital planning, and requires evaluating non-pipeline alternatives and equitable approaches to leak-prone pipe remediation. These elements are designed to ensure that future gas investments are prudent, cost-effective, and consistent with the District’s statutory commitments to reduce emissions. By adopting a structured gas planning process, the PSC will provide clarity to stakeholders, create accountability for Washington Gas, and minimize customer risk exposure during the energy transition.
Authors:
Brad Cebulko, Meera Fickling
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