WASHINGTON — A proposed pipeline project in D.C. is getting mixed reactions from neighbors, as residents could be hit with higher utility bills if the projct is given the greenlight.
Washington Gas has proposed Project Pipes, the third phase of its accelerated pipeline project launched in 2014 to upgrade aging infrastructure. The project, however, would add a surcharge for customers over the next five years to pay for it.
Several DC Councilmembers and people in the community are speaking out against the program.
"They're just asking the public service commission to be able to charge $672 million to D.C. residents and ratepayers just to dig up infrastructure,” Councilman Charles Allen said.
Allen represents Ward 6 and said he doesn’t think this should be approved. Ten of 13 DC councilmembers signed a letter to the Public Service Commission to reject it.
"That's going to hit the bottom line of households and businesses a lot and I think the majority of council is saying let’s hit pause on that,” Allen said. “That's not how we want to go hit the ratepayers for more money."
Some neighbors that WUSA spoke to agreed that Washington Gas should be funding the project.
"I would feel some kind of way about it because I'm paying now in utilities, so I do not want an increase,” Pamela Jones said.
But others felt like it was the expected cost of inflation and living in D.C.
"That's just one more thing that's increasing as inflation goes up,” Ronald Robinson said. “I'm expecting things to go up. If it's going to help keep me safe, keep me better, yeah I'll do that."
Washington Gas sent a statement to WUSA9 saying:
“Washington Gas has served the District of Columbia for 175 years with safe, reliable and affordable energy. We take seriously our continuing obligation to provide service to all District residents businesses and, government facilities. PROJECTpipes was initiated in response to a safety call to action by the United States Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). See Pipeline Replacement Background | PHMSA (dot.gov). In addition to furthering our safety goals, the program continues to be successful at lowering leaks and, as a result, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We support the District’s climate goals and we are confident the Public Service Commission will make its decision on extending PROJECTpipes based upon the factual record before it, which demonstrates the continued need to enhance the safety of the natural gas delivery system while realizing climate-related benefits.”
WUSA9 asked councilmember Allen what other solution there could be to get pipes that need repairs replaced.
"That's the question -- should we fix and repair or do you want to dig up and replace everything," Allen asked. “It's actually a lot more cost effective to just repair leaks.”
Washington Gas will go before the public service commission, and they will either grant approval or deny the proposal. As of now there is no date set on when that will happen, but that's why Allen said he decided to issue a letter.
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