Special master to set schedule for Maryland long-term gas planning probe as parties split on phases and timing

Special master Thomas C. Gorak convened a pre-hearing conference for Case No. 91791 and said he will issue an order establishing a pre-hearing schedule for the Commission's long-term natural gas planning proceeding. Gorak reiterated his mandate to address the 12 issues set in Order No. 91791 and declined to expand that scope during the conference.

Scott Novak, outside counsel for Washington Gas, proposed a four-phase procedural approach that would begin with utilities filing descriptions of their current planning practices for Issue 1 and move to future-of-gas and rate issues in later phases. "Phase 2 would explore future of gas issues such as how to best reduce greenhouse gas emissions reductions," Novak said, and suggested an initial filing date of February 2026 under the utilities' proposed timeline.

Opposing that sequencing, Pauline Raisis of the Maryland Office of People's Counsel said OPC prefers simultaneous initial filings so all parties can help set the proceeding's early focus. Raisis later accepted a staggered schedule only if the second round explicitly allowed other parties to submit initial positions and reply to utilities. Tim Oberleiten of Chesapeake Climate Action Network urged rapid synthesis of existing materials and said simultaneous briefing "should be done in a relatively quick time frame and doesn't need to take months."

Utilities including Columbia Gas and Chesapeake Utilities supported a phased approach provided each side has equal opportunities to present testimony and rebuttal. Carville Collins of Columbia Gas emphasized the need for a Maryland-specific record, saying other states' dockets are useful references but do not replace a full Maryland evidentiary record.

Parties discussed several specific timing options. BGE indicated nine months might be necessary to file on all 12 issues; Washington Gas offered alternate dates (initial comments by June 19, replies by Oct. 15) if a phased schedule is not adopted. OPC proposed utilities file in February 2026 with other parties filing initial testimony in April 2026 and rebuttals in May and June.

Special master Gorak noted pending petitions for reconsideration that could affect scope and timing but said he would take comments under advisement and issue an order establishing dates and intervention criteria. He warned parties not to initiate discovery until the order sets a discovery schedule.

The next procedural step is Gorak's forthcoming order, which he said will summarize the matters discussed and establish the docket's schedule; parties may file motions to amend that schedule if intervening events require it.