Washington Gas has filed with a rate increase proposal of $49.4 million revenue increase to be effective December 14, 2023. Included in the $49.4 million revenue increase is a $21.0 million request to transfer the Washington Gas Strategic Infrastructure Development And Enhancement Plan or “STRIDE” surcharges into base rates subject to Commission approval.
Washington Gas’ claimed justification for the new rate increase mimics prior requests to increase rates charged to Maryland customers. According to its Application, Washington Gas has not been able to earn the 7.09 percent overall rate of return (“ROR)” based on the 9.70 % return on equity (“ROE”) authorized by the Commission in the Company’s last rate case (i.e., Case No. 9651). “Current rates,” Washington Gas explains, “are not just and reasonable and are inadequate due to the growth in the Company’s net rate base and increases in operation and maintenance costs.”