Washington Gas’ James Steffes testifies in House hearing on energy affordability and choice
WASHINGTON – Washington Gas Senior Vice President of Regulatory, Policy and Advocacy James Steffes testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce’s energy subcommittee on Tuesday in a hearing examining energy affordability, choice and security in appliance and building policies. The hearing, which focused on regulatory themes that sought to limit use of natural gas through appliance efficiency standards, building codes and in federal buildings, comes ahead of a potential Congressional push on permitting reform and follows the introduction of key pieces of legislation to protect consumer choice and affordability.
“When customer choice is threatened, so is their access to affordable, reliable energy. Policies that limit access to certain forms of energy, like unrealistic Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) and gas bans, result in a less reliable energy system, increasing costs for consumers and further straining our nation’s electricity grid,” said Steffes in his written testimony. “Congress must take action to reduce rigid government mandates that fail to fully account for safety, reliability, resilience, and affordability for ratepayers, especially in our nation’s Capital.”
“Natural gas has been and will continue to be the cornerstone of America’s economy and energy independence with more than 100 years of abundant supply that has helped to insulate the American public from price volatility in energy markets across the globe,” said AGA President and CEO Karen Harbert. “America needs simple, commonsense reforms to protect our citizens’ access to affordable, efficient, low-emissions and reliable energy and to make America competitive and secure. AGA looks forward to continuing to work with Congress to protect affordability and consumer choice, forward our safety and security, and enshrine robust permitting reforms into law.”
More than one new residential customer signs up for natural gas service every minute and approximately 60 businesses begin new natural gas service every day. America’s natural gas utilities invest $37 billion each year in continuing to modernize and improve the 2.8-million-mile pipeline system – a vast energy delivery system envied by the world.
In addition to cost savings on the average bill, natural gas utilities spend $1.5 billion on efficiency programs every year to save 1.7 million metric tons of carbon – the equivalent of removing 424,000 cars from the road. Energy efficiency technologies and programs play a foundational role in creating a more reliable, affordable and sustainable energy system for the United States, and natural gas has played a critical role in forwarding this mission.