Maryland PSC Public Hearings on Washington Gas Rate Increase
Summary
The Maryland Public Service Commission will hold public hearings on Washington Gas Light's proposal to increase gas distribution rates by approximately $82.5 million. The proposed increase could result in a 5.3% bill increase for average residential customers. Public hearings are scheduled for March 24, 2026, and April 7, 2026.
What changed
The Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) has announced two public hearings to gather input on Washington Gas Light's proposed rate increase. The utility is seeking to increase its annual revenues by $82.5 million, which is projected to raise the average residential customer's bill by approximately 5.3%. The PSC is accepting public comments both virtually during the hearings and in writing until June 1, 2026.
Regulated entities, particularly those involved in utility services or representing consumer interests, should be aware of this rate case. While this notice itself does not impose direct compliance actions, it signals a significant regulatory proceeding that could impact utility pricing and operations. Interested parties are encouraged to participate in the public hearings or submit written comments by the specified deadlines to influence the PSC's decision, which is expected by late July 2026. Failure to participate may mean missing an opportunity to voice concerns regarding the proposed rate hike.
What to do next
- Review Washington Gas's rate increase proposal (Case No. 9849).
- Register to attend public hearings by March 20 or April 3, 2026, if virtual participation is desired.
- Submit written comments by June 1, 2026, via the PSC's online portal or mail.
Source document (simplified)
PSC to Hold Two Public Hearings for Washington Gas Rate Case
News Releases |
Home > News & Events > News/Notices/Orders > PSC to Hold Two Public Hearings for Washington Gas Rate Case
March 10, 2026
Baltimore, MD – The Maryland Public Service Commission will hold two virtual public hearings to receive public input on Washington Gas Light’s proposal to increase its gas distribution rates. The hearings will be held Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 6 p.m. and Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 6 p.m. The utility’s customers and other stakeholders are welcome to attend one or both hearings.
To participate, attendees should email kimberly.schock@maryland.gov by 12 noon on Friday, March 20 for the first hearing and by 12 noon on Friday, April 3 for the second hearing. Attendees will receive a link for the virtual meeting. A recording will also be posted to the Commission’s YouTube channel: youtube.com/@MarylandPSC
Washington Gas provides natural gas retail sales and delivery service to nearly 520,000 Maryland customers in Calvert, Charles, Frederick, Montgomery, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s counties. In December 2025, the company applied to increase its annual revenues by $82.5 million, with an incremental increase of $67.1 million after the inclusion of the company’s Strategic Infrastructure Development and Enhancement (STRIDE) revenue requirements. Washington Gas says its proposed rate design would result in an approximate 5.3% increase in the total bill for the average residential customer.
Written comments may be submitted electronically through the Commission’s website, in the Public Comments Dropbox: https://www.pscmaryland.com/online-services/file-a-public-comment/ First-time users of the portal will need to register and then can submit their comments in Case No. 9849.
Comments may also be sent by mail (by June 1, 2026) and should be addressed to:
Andrew S. Johnston, Executive Secretary
Maryland Public Service Commission
William Donald Schaefer Tower, 16th Floor
6 St. Paul Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
Evidentiary hearings in this case are scheduled to begin May 18, 2026 with a Commission decision by late July.
Media contact: Tori Leonard | tori.leonard@maryland.gov
About the Public Service Commission:
The Maryland Public Service Commission regulates electric and gas utilities and suppliers, telephone companies (land lines), private water and sewer companies, passenger motor vehicle carriers for hire, taxicab companies in some jurisdictions and bay pilot rates. The Commission implements the State’s energy policy and also regulates the siting of energy generating facilities and high-voltage transmission lines.
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