Our Energetic Future
As the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) gathers in 2024, the “From Vision to Victory” theme reminds us that advocacy and action are needed to convert big ideas into real-world wins.
Serving as a DMV community partner for over 175 years, Washington Gas understands that providing affordable, reliable, and safe energy is one of our most powerful tools for achieving energy equity. This commitment is crucial as we navigate today’s needs while preparing for the complexities of the emerging energy landscape.
Accessible, dependable energy remains one of our most urgent goals.
As recently as 2020, studies confirmed that up to 27% (34 million) of U.S. households face some level of energy insecurity. Twenty percent of U.S. households had to reduce or forego necessities to pay for heating and cooling, highlighting the critical need for equitable energy solutions.
Achieving equity requires thoughtful conversations and collaborative actions to break down barriers. As part of this collective goal, we’re focused on implementing programs that make a real difference, especially for those whose situations may put them at greater risk.
For example, the Washington Area Fuel Fund (WAFF) program has assisted more than 320,000 people with almost $34 million since 1983. We take pride in offering a program that helps offset the discomfort, danger, distractions, and discouragement faced by households struggling with utility bills. Paired with assistance programs and options such as Gift of Warmth, we are working to bridge the challenging times that can affect all of us, particularly our most vulnerable neighbors.
We are actively pursuing policy advocacy that promotes resilience and economic growth.
Supporting infrastructure projects that modernize our delivery systems helps our customers benefit from reliable and diverse options. In turn, this proactive approach contributes to a favorable regulatory environment that fosters innovation and long-term planning.
Supporting balanced policies is also critical to addressing the interrelated challenges we must resolve to help make our energy ecosystem cost-effective, stable, and equitable. This is particularly relevant as energy use continues to grow. Estimates predict that primary demand will increase between 16% and 57% by 2050. Providing choices and options is key to meeting these expanding needs.
Washington Gas has committed $1.7 billion over the next five years to proactively address these growing needs to modernize our pipelines through approved and filed accelerated pipe replacement programs. Initiatives such as DC Safe (D.C.), SAVE (Virginia), and STRIDE (Maryland) are enhancing system safety and efficiency by replacing cast iron and bare steel pipes with new corrosion-resistant high-density polyethylene pipes.
The need for stable, dependable energy spans all seasons.
Even during the dog days of summer, natural gas plays a significant role in cooling by generating much of the electricity that powers today’s air conditioners. In 2023, about 44% of the electricity that powered homes in the PJM region came from natural gas-fired power plants. Additionally, natural gas fuels absorption chillers vital to hospitals, pharmacies, universities, supermarkets, hotels, and restaurants, providing cooling during peak summer months.
Washington Gas is part of a vast U.S. network that spans about three million miles of mainline and other pipelines, linking natural gas production areas and storage facilities to consumers. In 2022, this transportation network delivered approximately 29.2 trillion cubic feet of natural gas to about 78.3 million consumers. Our local distribution network boasts a 99% reliability rate, ensuring critical systems like absorption chillers remain operational even in the hottest summer months.
Discussions about future needs move us from envisioning equity to celebrating the victories of delivering real-world solutions. By offering effective energy options, we help empower all of us to live our best lives.
Innovation sparks exciting conversations. The actions behind those ideas lead to real-world success.
We’re continuing our legacy of partnering with local communities, advocacy groups, and policymakers to explore how advancements can benefit everyone in our region. And we’re excited about building a future that steadily supports our daily lives. With more than 189 million Americans and 5.6 million businesses already choosing natural gas and over 100 years of available supply, our industry is poised to support our communities and fuel exciting opportunities ahead.
The journey from vision to victory is paved with challenging moments. However, having worked alongside customers, constituents, and communities for over 175 years, we know first-hand how powerful collaboration can be. Today’s partnerships will create success that will benefit the generations to come.
Brandon Todd is the Senior Director of Corporate Public Policy for Washington Gas (WGL). He leads the government affairs and public policy team and is responsible for developing and managing public policy positions. He previously served six years on the Council of the District of Columbia, representing Ward 4. Brandon is active across the metropolitan Washington region, serving on business and philanthropic boards.