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Maryland Policy Updates

January 26, 2026

Maryland Policy Update: Natural Gas Line Extensions

Washington Gas continues to advocate for energy choice and affordability as the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) advances a rulemaking that would fundamentally change how natural gas service is extended to new customers.

In June 2025, the PSC issued an order requiring its staff to prepare regulations that would force new customers to pay the full upfront cost of extending natural gas service to their property—eliminating the long-standing framework that spreads infrastructure costs over time based on projected usage. Recognizing the serious implications for development and construction, Washington Gas mobilized dozens of industry associations, businesses, labor organizations, and community partners to submit public comments in July urging the Commission to preserve access to natural gas and protect customer choice.

Despite the strong concerns expressed by advocates, the PSC published the draft regulations in December 2025 and with a public comment period open through Wednesday, January 14 whereby many builders and developers weighed in urging the Commission to support energy affordability and choice by retaining the current policy framework. The Commission is scheduled to consider final adoption of the rules at a rulemaking hearing on January 28, 2026.

If adopted, these regulations would significantly increase project costs for builders and developers, making otherwise viable developments financially infeasible. The proposed regulations will upend long-standing policies that support energy choice, housing affordability, and local economic development across the State. At a time when affordability is a top concern for Maryland families, these new regulations intentionally create artificial barriers to entry, making basic energy access more costly and less attainable.

Your voice matters. Builders and developers are strongly encouraged to make your presence known at the January 28 hearing. To get involved in ongoing advocacy efforts over the line extension regulations, please contact Ivana Sara at ivanasara@washgas.com.

Washington Gas remains committed to serving the development community and ensuring that natural gas remains a viable, cost-effective option for new projects. Through regulatory engagement and public advocacy, we will continue working to preserve energy affordability, reliability, and choice while protecting the interests of Maryland’s builders and developers.