From PROJECTpipes to the District Strategic Accelerated Facility Enhancement (District SAFE) Plan
Attend a public hearing
The DCPSC has scheduled an evidentiary hearing in this case for December 9, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. to continue its review of WGL's proposed District SAFE Plan.
Watch the livestream
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 older pipelines to enhance safety and reliability for residents and businesses.
Historically, this work was conducted under WGL's multi-phase accelerated replacement program, PROJECTpipes. While elements of that program continue, WGL has proposed a new, restructured plan, the District Strategic Accelerated Facility Enhancement (District SAFE) Plan, which is currently under review by the DCPSC.
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.
Background: PROJECTpipes
Launched in 2014, PROJECT
pipes was WGL's accelerated plan to replace aging natural gas infrastructure across its distribution system in the District.
- Phase 1: Ran from June 2014 through December 2020.
- Phase 2: Approved in 2021 and was originally scheduled to run through 2023. The Commission extended it to run through December 31, 2025, with an additional $34 million in authorized surcharge funding. This extension is expected to replace approximately 8.72 miles of main lines and 2,628 service lines.
As of December 31, 2023, Phase 1 and 2 have replaced 38.1 miles of mains and 8,497 services.
- Phase 3: Proposed in 2023, but was rejected by the Commission in June 2024 due to concerns that it did not align with the District’s climate policy objectives.
Current status: District SAFE Plan
Following the rejection of PROJECTpipes Phase 3, WGL filed a restructured plan, the District Strategic Accelerated Facility Enhancement (District SAFE) Plan, in September 2024. This plan outlines:
- A three-year program (running from March 2025 through December 2027) at an estimated cost of $215 million.
- Replacement or remediation of around 12 miles of main lines and around 3,600 service lines, selected using a “risk-reduced-per-dollar-spent" methodology.
- Creation of a a Customer Choice Pilot Program to provide customers with the option to permanently disconnect from gas service as an alternative to replacement.
The DCPSC is currently conducting a thorough evaluation of the District SAFE Plan on its merits, hearing from WGL, intervening parties, and the community in Formal Case 1179. The evaluation balances pipeline safety needs, cost impacts on ratepayers, system reliability, and alignment with the District's climate goals, including the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Why is gas pipeline replacement necessary?
Modernizing the District's natural gas system helps reduce safety risks from leaks, particularly in older pipes that have been in service for decades. Replacing high risk pipe materials also helps lower methane emissions, supporting environmental goals.
The Commission distinguishes these accelerated programs from routine leak management; while both aim to enhance safety, the accelerated programs proactively replace entire pipe sections. Lak management programs only target individual leaks. The Commission is separately investigating WGL’s leak detection and repair practices (Formal Case No. 1178).
How does this affect District residents?
Cost
The costs associated with Commission-approved pipeline replacement work (currently under PROJECTpipes Phase 2) are recovered by WGL through a surcharge on customer bills. The surcharge level is subject to Commision review and adjustment. WGL proposes using the same surcharge mechanism for its District SAFE Plan, if approved. The Commission considers the impact on customer bills and overall affordability when reviewing any proposed plan and its associated costs.
Service interruptions
Pipeline replacement is significant construction work that may cause temporary disruptions, noise, and traffic impacts in affected neighborhoods. WGL is required to provide notice to affected residents.
Safety and reliability
The long-term goal of replacing aging infrastructure is to ensure a safer and more reliable natural gas system for District residents.
Get Involved
The DCPSC previously held two public hearings, on June 3, 2025, (Ward 8) and on June 17, 2025, (DCPSC Hearing Room) to solicit community input on WGL's proposed District SAFE Plan. Watch a recording of the June 17 hearing below:
The DCPSC will share additional community engagement opportunities as they become available.
For specific questions or feedback, please email the Commission Secretary or call (202) 626-5150.