WASHINGTON GAS TESTIMONY

TO THE CONSUMER, ENVIRONMENT AND EDUCATION TASK FORCE
OF THE JOINT SUBCOMMITTEE EXAMINING ELECTRIC UTILITY RESTRUCTURING IN THE COMMONWEALTH

August 18, 1998
David E. Schwengel
Area Manager, Public Affairs

Public Benefits Programs
Universal Service Issue

• Definition: Program that are intended to provide reasonable assurance that electric service is available to all residential customers.

• Should low-income customers be subsidized through Universal Service Protection so that the marketers or LDC is not adversely affected?

Energy Assistance

• Washington Gas maintains that existing programs and administration of such, including the federally administered Low Income Housing Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), should continue.

Energy Efficiency

• Successful energy efficiency programs are currently being offered by the private sector. As a result, traditional DSM activities may no longer be needed.

• If deemed necessary, costs should be recovered through a non-bypassable wires (universal service) charge.