Apr 22, 2019   SOURCE: BusinessWire

Washington Gas Named Top Environmental Champion for Second Year in a Row in National Utility Industry Survey

For the second consecutive year, Washington Gas has been named a utility Environmental Champion, based on a new 2019 Cogent Reports national survey of utility customers released by Market Strategies International. The findings, published in Utility Trusted Brand & Customer Engagement™: Residential, identified the top 29 utilities across the U.S. that have demonstrated a dedication to environmental stewardship in its business operations, energy programs and service to its customers.

The recognition of Washington Gas was based on a study of 61,023 customers who are served by 139 of the largest residential gas and electric utility providers and were asked to rate their utility company’s commitment to the environment. As with last year’s report, the survey again scored an Environmental Dedication Index compiled from consumer ratings of five critical environmental attributes, including a commitment to environmentally friendly energy sources, providing tools and programs to help customers conserve energy, supporting environmental causes, encouraging green initiatives for buildings and vehicles, and protecting the environment.

“Washington Gas is again honored to earn a top spot for valuing environmental stewardship in a nationwide survey that reflects direct input from customers – it reaffirms the commitment of our leadership team and employees to responsibly conduct our own operations, and serve our customers, in a way that respects and protects the environment,” said Adrian Chapman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Washington Gas. “We’re proud to receive industry recognition for the second year in a row for clean energy initiatives that lower methane emissions and drive energy efficiency, and we will continue this focus and momentum in the years ahead.”

“As people become more attuned to the environmental impact of their energy use, Environmental Champion utilities like Washington Gas help them align their personal values with their energy decisions,” said Chris Oberle, Senior Vice President, Market Strategies International. “For the increasing number of customers who have made a commitment to reduce their environmental footprint, it helps demonstrate what is possible."

Many Washington Gas accomplishments played a key role in the high ranking, including:

Buildings and Fleet: Several Washington Gas facilities have earned LEED® certification, including its headquarter offices at the District Wharf in Washington, D.C., Springfield Center in Virginia, Northwest Station in Rockville, Maryland, as well as the WGL Energy office in Tysons Corner, Virginia. These LEED-certified properties, along with continued expansion of natural gas-powered vehicles in its fleet, are visible demonstrations of the company’s commitment as it moves closer to its target of carbon-neutral fleet and facilities by 2025.

Pipeline Operations: Washington Gas continues to make progress in its long-term accelerated pipeline replacement plans across its service territories in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia, including recent next-phase filings with the Public Service Commission (PSC) of the District of Columbia and the Maryland PSC. The company’s initiatives to replace aging pipelines in its natural gas systems, which includes replacing older pipes with new and modern materials that enhance reliability (the company is already over 99% reliable) and safety, as well as reduce emissions. These efforts support the company’s target to reduce carbon intensity 38 percent by 2025.

Customer Programs: Washington Gas programs to drive energy efficiency have been adopted across its service territories, earning prior awards including its first ENERGY STAR award for Excellence in Energy Star promotion last year. Washington Gas has partnered with Energy Star since 2015, participating in national co-branded marketing campaigns for ENERGY STAR-certified natural gas products and rebates, and was recognized for strong participation in the Energy Star Smart Thermostat and natural gas water heater promotions using email marketing, print and digital advertising, which resulted in high customer participation in energy efficiency programs. The company aims to enable customers to save the equivalent of 18 million metric tons of CO2 from 2015 to 2025.

Previously, Washington Gas has been named as a Most Trusted Brand for two consecutive years, and a Customer Champion utility company by Cogent Reports. Washington Gas, which today serves more than 1.1 million customers in the Washington, D.C. area, has delivered safe, reliable and affordable natural gas since 1848.

For more information about WGL’s sustainability practices, please visit the company’s 2017 Corporate Performance Report: http://2017cpr.wgl.com/sustainable-legacy.html.

About WGL and Washington Gas

The WGL family of companies—Washington Gas, WGL Energy, WGL Midstream and Hampshire Gas—are now indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries of AltaGas Ltd [TSX:ALA]. WGL is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and is a leading source for clean, efficient and diverse energy solutions. With activities and assets across the U.S., WGL provides options for natural gas, electricity, green power and energy services, including generation, storage, transportation, distribution, supply and efficiency. Our calling as a company is to make energy surprisingly easy for our employees, our community and all our customers. Whether you are a homeowner or renter, small business or multinational corporation, state and local or federal agency, WGL is here to provide Energy Answers. Ask Us. For more information, visit us at wgl.com and @wglanswers.

WGL’s regulated natural gas utility, Washington Gas, provides safe, reliable natural gas service to more than 1.1 million customers in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. The company has been providing energy to residential, commercial and industrial customers for 170 years. Visit us at www.washingtongas.com and follow us on Twitter @washingtongas.