March 18, 2025

By Washington Gas President Blue Jenkins

As president of Washington Gas, I have the privilege of working with leaders across the energy sector to navigate our evolving landscape. How we power our homes, businesses, and communities is changing, and we are working to make sure this transition is smart, fair, and viable.

While many of these solutions can lead to passionate debates, one thing is crystal clear. Collaboration and choice must go hand-in-hand to solve our greatest challenges.
For millions of families, choosing the right solutions isn’t just about preference but also affordability, reliability, and security. Policies that shape our energy future must reflect the diverse needs of our communities while leaving no one behind.

Energy insecurity undermines too many households, particularly in underserved communities. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that nearly 26% of households experienced some level of energy uncertainty in 2023. Many families are forced to choose between heating their homes, putting food on the table, and covering medical expenses.

Natural gas remains one of the most cost-effective options. It provides steady, dependable energy at a lower cost, saving the average household $1,132 per year compared to electricity. That’s why a 2024 survey found that 80% of DMV residents support using natural gas. Affordability must remain a cornerstone of our region’s progress.

However, such discussions can sometimes turn into “us vs. them” debates among fossil fuels vs. renewables, natural gas vs. electricity, etc. As a leader within the DMV utility space, I can tell you that many of us are investing enormous energy—pardon the pun—into a practical collaboration that bridges gaps and supports innovation.

For example, transitioning a household to all-electric can cost 25,000  or more in retrofits—a financial strain many families simply can’t absorb. Simultaneously, the U.S. electric grid is under increasing strain from severe weather and growing demand. The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) projects a 15% increase in summer peak electricity demand over the next decade, adding 122 gigawatts to system peaks. We must build a diversified approach that ensures reliability while keeping up with demand.

Many people don’t realize that natural gas isn’t just a home heating option but also the largest source of electricity generation in the U.S. In 2023, the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported that natural gas accounted for about 43% of the nation's electricity production.

This isn’t about competition between different sources—it’s about leveraging our strengths to solve the needs and issues that affect everyone in our world. A truly resilient future will thrive on a cooperative approach where renewables, electrification, and natural gas work hand-in-hand to provide stability and affordability for our communities. Diversified strategies support our ability to provide our communities with smart solutions to meet their ever-growing needs.

At Washington Gas, we’re accelerating our 176 years of meeting the challenges of the DMV. We’ve committed over $1 billion to upgrading our infrastructure so our customers can access dependable energy. We’re also expanding programs like the Washington Area Fuel Fund (WAFF), providing over $34 million in heating assistance to area households since 1983.

Supporting choice isn’t about clinging to old ways—it’s about keeping options open. It’s about innovation that drives solutions. It’s about policies reflecting the real-world needs of families and businesses.

Let’s work together so that everyone can enjoy a balanced, thoughtful, energy future.

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