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Commission Issues Memorandum On Decision On STRIDE Appeals
From Memo:
On October 25, 2023, the Public Utility Law Judge (“PULJ”) Division issued a Proposed Order on Washington Gas Light Company’s (“WGL”) application for approval of a new gas system Strategic Infrastructure Development and Enhancement (“STRIDE”) plan and an accompanying cost recovery mechanism, (collectively, the “Application”). On November 13, 2023, the Office of People’s Counsel (“OPC”) and the Sierra Club and Chesapeake Climate Action Network (“Sierra Club and CCAN”) filed notices of appeal and accompanying memoranda (collectively, the “Appeals”).
[ *** ] the Commission agrees with Staff and OPC that the Proposed Order’s notice requirement should be modified. The Commission agrees that requiring OPC and Staff counsel to provide advice to customers, while well-intentioned, is outside the scope of the role of Staff counsel and bypasses the Commission’s existing processes. The Commission also notes the concerns raised by OPC that this opportunity for customer messaging could include greater information about electrification and the benefits and costs thereof. Accordingly, the Commission directs WGL to cease issuing the customer notices directed by the Proposed Order and for Staff, OPC, and WGL to meet and negotiate a new notice, to be presented for the Commission’s approval before use. [ *** ]
Having considered the evidence and arguments presented, the Commission affirms the Proposed Order as to all parts except those modified herein regarding the notice to be sent to customers. The Commission directs WGL to remove the requirement for the Notice to direct customers to contact Staff and OPC attorneys for information. WGL, Staff, and OPC are further directed to negotiate the terms of the Notice and submit it to the Commission for approval before it is distributed to customers again.
