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WASHINGTON--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--On August 16, 2012, the Maryland Public Service Commission (Commission) issued an Order approving Washington Gasa proposed changes to its asset optimization program, with minor modifications. The Commission affirmed Washington Gasa continued use of a self-asset management program that has produced significant economic benefit to both customers and shareholders.

"We look forward to implementing the changes in the sharing mechanism which provide incentives to continue to identify additional opportunities."

The decision also included the approval of a company recommendation to improve the margin sharing formula. Specifically, the Commission approved a modification of the annual incentive sharing program to a graduated, tiered structure, with 100 percent of the first $2.6 million of margins assigned to customers. The next $3.3 million of margins is shared with 75 percent going to customers and 25 percent going to the company. All margins in excess of $5.9 million will be shared 50/50 between customers and Washington Gas. The Commission also affirmed the change from a third-party asset management program and determined that all opposition to Washington Gasa self-asset management program appears to be based on pure speculation.

aThe Commissionas support of Washington Gasa proposed changes is encouraging and an indication that both organizations are committed to working toward solutions that are in the public interest and benefit both customers and shareholders,a said Terry D. McCallister, Washington Gas Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. aWe look forward to implementing the changes in the sharing mechanism which provide incentives to continue to identify additional opportunities.a

The Order also included provisions relative to other tariff and accounting requirements for asset optimization activities. The assets referenced in the Order are natural gas transportation and storage resources required to provide gas service to customers. When not being used to meet customer requirements, these assets are made available for alternative use through the companyas asset optimization program.

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., WGL Holdings, Inc. has four operating segments: (i) the regulated utility segment, which primarily consists of Washington Gas Light Company, a natural gas utility that serves over one million customers throughout metropolitan Washington, D.C., and the surrounding region; (ii) the retail energy-marketing segment which consists of Washington Gas Energy Services, Inc., a third-party marketer that competitively sells natural gas and electricity; (iii) the commercial energy systems segment, which consists of Washington Gas Energy Systems, Inc., a provider of energy efficiency solutions to government and commercial clients and (iv) the wholesale energy solutions segment, which consists of Capitol Energy Ventures Corp., a non-utility asset optimization business.

Additional information about WGL Holdings, Inc. is available on its website, [ wglholdings.com ]. Go to [ washingtongas.com ] for more information about Washington Gas Light Company.