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Washington Gas tells PSC it will withdraw from supplier‑diversity MOU, says it will keep internal tracking
Summary
Washington Gas confirmed a June 26 notice that it will terminate participation in Maryland's supplier diversity MOU, citing federal compliance concerns tied to executive orders; the company told the PSC it will continue internal data tracking and respond to staff's data request, while commissioners urged continued engagement and possible MOU language revisions.
Washington Gas representatives told the Maryland Public Service Commission on July 13 that the company has filed notice it will withdraw from the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that supports Maryland's supplier diversity reporting.
At the supplier diversity conference, Delon Johnson (senior manager of supplier access and strategic partnerships) and Mark Reid (vice president of supply chain for the company's U.S. utilities segment) presented Washington Gas’s 2025 supplier metrics and economic‑impact estimates. Spencer Nichols (for the record) confirmed a June 26 filing to the Commission notifying it of the company's decision to terminate MOU participation.
When Commissioner Litton asked whether the withdrawal remains in effect, a Washington Gas representative said, “That is still the case.” Commissioners asked what the company will do instead. Washington Gas said it will continue internal tracking and provide publicly available, independently validated information; it also said it intends to respond to a staff data request and to be present at future conferences.
Commissioners pressed the company on whether continuing to track subcontractor (tier‑2) data or retaining historical data would contravene federal requirements. Washington Gas responded that it believes tracking and providing certain views of data are possible but deferred legal specifics to formal responses and said it is not an attorney on the matter. The company said its commitment to communities and ratepayers remains and that it will explore how to present data that satisfies both federal compliance and the Commission’s informational needs.
Commissioners expressed a willingness to work with companies to revise MOU language if necessary and asked Washington Gas to consult with the Commission before finalizing changes. Commissioner Suchman and others urged Washington Gas to preserve the program’s community benefits, and Commissioner Litton said staff and commissioners would review the forthcoming data responses to help determine the program's future.
The company did not present a formal replacement reporting regime at the hearing. Washington Gas representatives described ongoing programs — an access‑to‑capital Strive for 35 pilot, a Biz Pitch event, and awards recognizing internal and external outreach — and cited internal tier‑2 reporting systems and independent verification practices. Commissioners said they expect the company to produce the data staff requested so the Commission can evaluate the impact of the withdrawal.
No formal action was taken at the hearing; commissioners recorded the company's withdrawal, requested data, and signaled that the Commission will use the forthcoming information as part of a public determination on the program's viability.
