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Office Of People’s Counsel Requests Rehearing Of STRIDE Order And Memorandum On Decision
From Request:
The Office of People’s Counsel requests rehearing of Order No. 90941 and Memorandum on Decision (collectively, “the STRIDE Order”). In the STRIDE Order the Commission affirmed and adopted the Public Utility Law Judge’s proposed order approving Washington Gas Light Company’s (“WGL”) third five-year Strategic Infrastructure Development and Enhancement (“STRIDE 3”) plan for 2024–2028.
The STRIDE Order arbitrarily and capriciously approves WGL’s STRIDE 3 plan even though the plan does not consider non-pipeline replacement alternatives, directly conflicting with the Commission’s order in the recent WGL rate case. The STRIDE order also arbitrarily and capriciously misinterprets OPC’s position as requiring a STRIDE plan to “plan for the end of gas distribution in Maryland.” The Commission further erred by misinterpreting its powers and duties under the STRIDE Act, incorrectly interpreting the statute to require plan approval rather than making approval discretionary. Rehearing is warranted given the STRIDE Order’s arbitrary and capricious inconsistency with the Commission’s order in Case No. 9704, misinterpretation of OPC’s arguments, and error of law. [ *** ]
OPC Request (ML# 307552) (02/08/2024)
9708 (06/16/2023)
