WASHINGTON (7News) — Washington Gas is warning its customers in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia that their service may be terminated in two days if they still have a mercury meter.
The natural gas company, in collaboration with the Maryland Public Service Commission, has announced an initiative to replace certain models of natural gas pressure regulators in homes across its service area. The effort focuses on removing mercury regulators, with the company having assessed approximately 90% of the 78,000 Maryland residences identified as potentially having these regulators since the initiative began in 2021.
SEE ALSO | Spotted lanternflies return to the DMV, posing threat to plants and patios
Customers who have not yet responded may face natural gas service termination as early as May 21, 2025, and could incur a reconnection fee.
Residents can check the status of their service location by entering their account number on the Mercury Service Regulator Replacement Program page at washingtongas.com/msrrp. To avoid service termination, affected customers are urged to contact Heath Consultants at wgsurvey@heathus.com or 301-709-8210 between 7:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on weekdays to schedule a compliance visit.
If service is terminated, customers should contact 1-844-WASHGAS to arrange a Safety Compliance Visit. During this visit, if the mercury regulator is inaccessible, a contractor will be scheduled to make it accessible at no cost. If the regulator is accessible or absent, gas service will be restored during the inspection. If a mercury regulator is found, Washington Gas will coordinate its removal with the customer.
Washington Gas, a subsidiary of AltaGas Ltd, serves 1.2 million customers in the area.