The Pivotal Role of Natural Gas

So far, it's been a busy start to fall 2024!

Recently, West Monroe hosted "The Pivotal Role of Gas Utilities in the Energy Transition" panel discussion. My colleague, James Steffes, participated in this in-depth conversation about strategies for navigating and leading the ongoing, full-scale energy shift.

Building lower-carbon strategies is ultimately about much more than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach. As president of Washington Gas, I’m proud of our ongoing commitment to creating balanced solutions that support a complex and still-emerging energy future.

You probably have heard me speak many times about our guiding priorities: affordability, reliability, and safety while respecting customer choice. These principles have been at the heart of every decision we've made for over 175 years, and we're continuing that legacy by modernizing our infrastructure and collaborating across the entire energy industry.

Our infrastructure investment plans are crucial to this strategy. Washington Gas recently filed our Strategic Accelerated Facilities Enhancement (District SAFE) plan with the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia. Over the next three years, this $215 million initiative will replace high-risk, leak-prone pipes. We believe in a proactive, rather than reactive, approach to pipeline maintenance that will improve safety, ensure reliability, and support the District’s climate goals.

Energy is a whole system, and gas utilities are critical in developing long-term solutions. In today’s world, natural gas, electricity, wind, solar, nuclear, and other energy sources are interconnected. Treating them as isolated systems isn’t practical, so maintaining a holistic approach is the key to meeting our communities' evolving energy demands.

As Jim highlighted during the panel, natural gas utilities are vital to helping ensure flexibility and resilience while contributing to stability and innovation. Transitioning to alternative forms of energy is critical, but it won't happen overnight. We must pursue our climate goals in balance with the?maintenance of the safe, reliable existing natural gas infrastructure that the region, including our more than 1.2 million customers, relies upon.

Natural gas demand remains strong, and broad research confirms that it will continue to have a critical role in the emerging energy landscape. We are enhancing reliability and safety by upgrading our pipeline systems while supporting other long-term goals like developing renewable natural gas sources in and around our service territory.

Energy is ultimately about supporting the lives and goals of the people around us. That's why programs like District SAFE improve safety and reliability, create jobs, and stimulate the local economy. By replacing older pipes, we can improve safety and help support District climate targets. We will work alongside local agencies to minimize disruptions to residents and keep providing the long-term community benefits we've proudly offered for over 175 years.

As recently as 2020,?studies confirmed?that up to 27% of U.S. households (34 million) have faced some energy insecurity. This highlights the ongoing, critical need for equitable energy solutions. Achieving equity requires thoughtful conversations and collaborative actions to help break down barriers. As part of this shared goal, we focus on programs that can help make a real difference, especially for those whose situations may put them at greater risk.

Along with our partners and communities, we’re confident that we have the best people, tools, and vision to meet the challenges before us. Programs like District SAFE and our broader initiatives to modernize infrastructure are the cornerstones to keeping reliable, affordable, and safe energy available for everyone.

As always, thank you for your support on this path toward tomorrow.

All the best,

Blue