D.C. AG Challenges Washington Gas Pipeline Replacement Plan

Washington Gas' proposed $215 million pipeline replacement program is facing renewed scrutiny as the District's attorney general argues the long-term cost to customers outweighs the pace of infrastructure replacement.

(P&GJ) — Washington Gas is defending its plan to continue replacing aging natural gas pipelines in the District of Columbia after the city's attorney general challenged the utility's proposal to recover $215 million from customers over the next three years, according to WJLA.

The proposal is currently under review during hearings before the D.C. Public Service Commission. Although regulators approved the plan in March, the Office of the Attorney General has asked the commission to reconsider, arguing customers are already paying higher rates to fund pipeline replacement efforts.

The attorney general's office also questioned the long-term economics of the program, contending that replacing all of the District's aging gas mains could take roughly 150 years and ultimately exceed $6 billion in total costs.

Washington Gas maintains that modernizing its distribution system remains necessary to improve public safety and system reliability.

Pipeline safety expert Cynthia Quarterman testified that the District has replaced only about 11% of its cast-iron gas mains, leaving many pipelines that are more than a century old still in service.

Washington Gas said it has already replaced nearly 50 miles of aging pipeline throughout the District, reducing gas leaks while improving system safety and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

The utility said it intends to continue working with regulators throughout the review process while balancing infrastructure investment with customer affordability, as reported by WJLA.