From PROJECTpipes to the Modified District Strategic Accelerated Facilities Enhancement (SAFE) Plan
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.
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: 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 immediatesafety 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 (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).
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 Commission review and adjustment. For the Modified District SAFE Plan, the Commission instituted strict cost-control guardrails to protect ratepayers. WGL must meet an annual spending threshold before using an accelerated surcharge recovery mechanism.
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.
Public Engagement
Evidentiary Hearing
The DCPSC held an evidentiary hearing in this case on December 9, 2025, to review WGL's proposed District SAFE Plan. Watch a full recording below:
Community Hearings
The DCPSC held two public hearings, on June 3, 2025, in Ward 8 and on June 17, 2025, at the DCPSC office to solicit community input on WGL's proposed District SAFE Plan. Watch a recording of the June 17 hearing below:
For specific questions or feedback, please email the Commission Secretary or call (202) 626-5150.