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The Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia (DCPSC) oversees Washington Gas (WGL) efforts to modernize the District’s natural gas distribution system. This work involves replacing aging, high-risk, and leak-prone pipelines to enhance safety and reliability for residents and businesses.

Historically, this work was conducted under WGL’s multi-phase accelerated replacement program, PROJECTpipes. Work continues under the DCPSC-approved modified version of the District Strategic Accelerated Facilities Enhancement (SAFE) Plan. This is a structural departure from the prior-approved accelerated pipeline replacement program. This program will address the District’s aging, leak-prone infrastructure to avoid cascading leaks and dangerous “super emitter” events while aligning with the District’s long-term electrification and climate goals.

The Commission’s core mission is to ensure residents receive safe, reliable, and affordable utility services. In overseeing pipeline replacement, the Commission balances these priorities with the District’s clean energy goals, including the commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045.

Current status: Modified District SAFE Plan

Following the rejection of PROJECTpipes Phase 3, WGL filed a restructured plan, the District Strategic Accelerated Facilities Enhancement (District SAFE) Plan, in Formal Case No. 1179 in September 2024. After reviewing public comments and expert testimony, the Commission made several modifications to WGL’s proposal and approved the Modified District SAFE Plan on March 4, 2026, to balance immediate safety concerns while minimizing the risk of stranded assets in alignment with the District’s climate goals.

The Modified District SAFE Plan framework departs from the old PROJECTpipes model in several significant ways:

 Reduced and Capped Budget

To protect ratepayers from excessive costs, the Commission cut WGL’s proposed budget by roughly 30%. The approved plan authorizes $150 million over three years (July 2026 – June 2029). Spending is strictly capped each year, and WGL cannot roll over unused funds.

Cost Control Guardrails

Under previous programs, the cost recovery was entirely through a surcharge mechanism. The Commission has now instituted a strict threshold: WGL must pay for the first portion of the work (starting at $10 million in year one) before costs become eligible for the surcharge recovery mechanism.

Smarter Prioritization

Instead of replacing large swaths of pipe simply because they are old or made of a certain material, WGL must now use a strictly focused risk-scoring model. The goal is to maximize safety by prioritizing replacing the most dangerous, leak-prone pipes first to ensure the greatest immediate risk reduction per ratepayer dollar spent.

Alternatives to Replacement

Before the Commission will approve a proposed pipeline replacement project, WGL must consider other alternatives to replacement and provide detailed information to the Commission to justify that replacement is the best option to maintain safety.

Customer Choice Pilot Program

To empower consumers and prevent the replacement of gas lines that won’t be used, the Commission approved a modified version of WGL’s notification program. If a customer’s gas service line is scheduled for replacement, WGL will provide advance notification to give residents the option to permanently disconnect their gas service instead.

Looking Ahead: Integrated Natural Gas Planning

To ensure long-term natural gas infrastructure planning aligns with the District’s climate goals, the Commission has opened a formal investigation into Integrated Natural Gas Distribution System Planning in Formal Case 1187. A new working group composed of utilities, consumer advocates, and environmental organizations will be created to guide the future of the District’s natural gas system.

 Why is gas pipeline replacement necessary?

Modernizing the District’s natural gas system is a proactive way to reduce safety risks from gas leaks, particularly in older pipes that have been in service for approximately 100 years. Replacing high risk pipe materials also helps lower methane emissions by preventing gas leaks and supports the District’s environmental goals.

The Commission distinguishes these accelerated programs from routine leak management; while both aim to enhance safety, the accelerated programs proactively replace high-risk pipes prone to leaks. Leak management programs target active leaks. The Commission is separately investigating WGL’s leak detection and repair practices Formal Case 1178.