WGL Holdings, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (collectively
referred to as WGL Holdings or the company) conducts its business in
accordance with the highest legal, ethical and professional standards,
and in the spirit of fairness and mutual respect, whether dealing with
customers, suppliers, regulatory bodies or the community. This Code
of Conduct, which reflects the corporate policy of WGL Holdings, applies
to all employees of WGL Holdings, including officers and members of
the Board of Directors. WGL Holdings will continue to monitor developing
laws and regulations and modify the Code of Conduct as appropriate.
Compliance with Laws
WGL Holdings conducts its business in compliance with applicable laws
and regulations. Whenever there is doubt about the applicability of
any specific law or regulation to WGL Holdings, the advice of the Office
of General Counsel should be obtained.
Equal Opportunity
WGL Holdings is committed to reflecting diversity in the workplace,
with the philosophy that it finds excellence in people from many different
backgrounds. Specifically, the company strives to recruit, hire, train
and promote the persons best qualified to advance WGL Holdings' business
objectives, without regard to race, color, creed, age, sex, disabilities,
sexual orientation or national origin. The company prohibits unlawful
discrimination in its employment policies and practices. The company
is committed to compliance with all federal, state and local laws and
regulations regarding fair employment practices.
Workplace Safety and Employer/Employee Conduct
WGL Holdings is committed to providing its employees a safe work environment
in an atmosphere of mutual respect. The company and its employees are
expected to abide by federal, state and local laws that regulate work
conditions, and to conduct themselves in a professional manner that
promotes employee well being. Physical violence, threats, intimidation,
harassment or discrimination in any form is prohibited, whether it be
supervisor to subordinate, peer to peer, or subordinate to supervisor.
Employees should also reference the WGL Holdings Statement of Policy
on Workplace Behavior for a complete discussion of policies relating
to this area.
Conflict of Interest
The company has an obligation to its investors and to the public to
keep its actions above reproach or suspicion. Every employee of the
company is expected to avoid placing himself or herself in any position
that could result in a conflict between his or her self-interest and
the interests of the company. In general, a conflict of interest can
arise whenever an employee has a personal interest in a transaction
affecting company business that conflicts or appears to conflict with
the best interests of the company. Employees are also prohibited from
taking opportunities for themselves personally that are discovered through
the use of corporate property, information or their position.
For example, a conflict of interest would be the financial interest
of an employee, or his or her immediate family, in the business of outside
contractors, consultants, partners, vendors or suppliers doing business
with or seeking to do business with the company, where the employee
is responsible for negotiating or entering into contracts, or approving
payments to these third parties. This does not extend to the ownership
of securities in widely held corporations that are quoted and sold on
the open market and where the volume of WGL Holdings' current transactions
with such contractor, vendor, supplier, etc., is not likely to have
any immediate influence on the value of such securities. Another example
of a conflict of interest would be the acquisition, directly or indirectly,
by purchase, option, lease or otherwise, of real estate or other assets
where it is known that the company may have an interest.
Gifts, Meals and Entertainment
Employees may receive or give customary business amenities, such as
meals, provided they are associated with a business purpose, are consistent
with the employee's job duties, are reasonable in cost, and are appropriate
as to time and place. Employees may not seek or accept, directly or
indirectly, payments, loans, services, unreasonable discounts, excessive
or frequent entertainment and travel, or gifts of a frequent or extravagant
nature, from any individual or from the representative of any business
concern doing or seeking to do business with the company. Under no circumstances
may an employee give or receive a gift of money.
Under certain circumstances, invitations to functions that involve
travel or overnight stays may be in the best interest of the company.
Participation in these functions must be fully documented and approved
in writing by the appropriate business unit head prior to their occurrence.
Whenever there is doubt about the propriety of a specific function,
the advice of the Department Head-Internal Audit should be obtained.
Examples of unreasonable gifts or entertainment would be a free trip
to a vacation resort provided by a contractor/vendor with no apparent
business purpose, or job-related training provided by a contractor/vendor
that is held in an exotic location when the same or similar training
can be provided locally.
Loans and Credit Extensions
Officers and directors are prohibited from receiving personal loans
or extensions of credit from the company, except for those loans or
extensions of credit that the company would ordinarily make available
to the public.
Outside Employment
Outside employment or other activities that detract from an employee's performance
or activities that could be detrimental to the company's best interest
are prohibited. Active employees may not engage in work for another
business (including, but not limited to self-employment, employment
by or through a company contractor or other employer, or consulting
work) performing work at the request or for the benefit of WGL Holdings.
However, employees may work for a WGL Holdings' trade associate to provide
services to customers of the trade associate.
Commissioned outside sales employees may not engage in commissioned
outside sales work for another business. WGL Holdings' employees may
not sell or install products or provide services in competition with
WGL Holdings. In addition, employees may not use their position or relationships
with customers and other employees to develop work or leads for any
other business with which the employee or his or her immediate family
has any financial interest or employment arrangement, or any business
in direct competition with WGL Holdings' (including, but not limited
to referrals and distribution of advertisements). Use of company vehicles,
materials and tools to perform work for another business is prohibited,
unless supplied to the other business by WGL Holdings. Employees may
not wear any part of any WGL Holdings uniform or clothing bearing the
company name and/or logo while working for another business, or identify
themselves as company employees to customers of another business.
Employees may not engage in any work for another business on company
time. Time spent working (including driving time) for another business
must not conflict with time spent working for WGL Holdings. Any employee
that possesses a commercial driver's license must comply with all applicable
regulations and must maintain sufficient driving time to perform all
regular scheduled WGL Holdings' work and such measure of overtime as
the company may require.
Use of Company Property, Services, Manpower and Other Assets
The company emphasizes the preservation of its property, services,
manpower and other assets for use by WGL Holdings. Company property
includes, but is not limited to company equipment, computer hardware
and software, vehicles, tools, tickets to sporting or entertainment
events, materials and supplies. Employees will be held accountable for
safeguarding company property from unauthorized use, loss, damage or
destruction.
By this policy, the company directs its employees to use company property,
services, manpower and other assets for company business and not for:
1) personal gain or benefit, 2) soliciting or conducting private business
activities, 3) advancement of individual views as corporate opinions,
or 4) non-company supported charitable endeavors. However, the company
does permit personal use of trivial resources so long as it does not
adversely effect employee productivity, is not removed from company
premises solely for personal reasons, and does not preempt any business
activity.
Improper Payments
The use of WGL Holdings funds for any unlawful purpose or in violation
of stated company policies is not permitted. No bribes, kickbacks or
similar remuneration or consideration of any kind are to be given or
offered to any individual, organization, government, political party,
or other entity or representative thereof, for any reason. All requests
for disbursements of company funds shall be accompanied by adequate
documentation that clearly describes the expenditure's business purpose.
Confidential Information
All corporate, customer, employee, shareholder and vendor information,
other than information that is public knowledge or legally mandated,
is to be considered confidential, privileged and proprietary to WGL
Holdings at all times, both during and following an individual's employment
with WGL Holdings. The information may be used only for legitimate WGL
Holdings purposes by authorized WGL Holdings personnel and should be
safeguarded at all times. Material, nonpublic information may only be
disclosed by the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, President,
Chief Financial Officer, Head of Investor Relations, and such other
persons as may be designated by the Disclosure Policy Committee (from
time to time). Please reference the WGL Holdings Material Information
Disclosure Policy for a complete discussion of policies relating to
this area.
Confidential information may not be used to further any private or
non-company interests, or for personal gain or for the benefit of another
employer. All requests from the news media regarding WGL Holdings should
be referred to Corporate Relations. Upon termination employees shall
deliver to WGL Holdings all confidential information that is in their
possession.
Data maintained within company computers is a vital resource in the
operation of the corporation. All data created, processed or stored
on WGL Holdings' computer systems (including the company's personal
computers) should be treated as confidential and protected from misuse
or unauthorized access. The Office of General Counsel should be consulted
whenever there are questions about the appropriate handling or communication
of WGL Holdings information.
Fair Competition
Antitrust laws are intended to preserve competition by prohibiting
actions that could unreasonably restrain the functioning of a free marketplace.
It is WGL Holdings' policy that all employees comply with the letter
and the spirit of antitrust laws in conducting their duties and business
activities. Among other things, price-fixing, bid-rigging, and arrangements
with competitors to divide or allocate markets or customers or to exclude
others from a market are prohibited. Advice should be sought from the
Office of General Counsel whenever a question or doubt arises in this
area. WGL Holdings will participate only with trade associations and
other business cooperative organizations that comply with antitrust
laws.
Insider Trading
Federal law prohibits employees from buying or selling securities based on material information not publicly available that could affect the price of the securities. This material inside information includes dividend changes, earnings estimates, significant business developments, expansion or curtailment of operations, sales or purchase of substantial assets, or other activity of significance. This information cannot be given to family, friends, or anyone outside the company. In addition, information that will be reported externally can not be provided to selected groups or individuals in advance of public disclosure.
Directors, officers and other individuals with material inside information, as well as members of their household ("insiders"), should obtain advance clearance in writing from the Office of the General Counsel for any purchases and sales of company stock. As a matter of policy, clearance will be given only during "window periods," which open at the opening of business on the 2nd trading day following the release of quarterly or annual earnings and close at the close of business on the 30th calendar day thereafter. If the 30th day is not a trading day, the window will close at the close of business on the next trading day. A "trading day" is any day that the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading of listed common shares. In the event the Company re-issues earnings or earnings guidance during an open window period, the window will close when that information becomes known to the insider and will open again on the 2nd trading day following announcement of the new earnings or earnings guidance. Trading may also be permitted under certain trading plans established in compliance with applicable law (e.g., Rule 10b5-1 plans). Directors and officers are required to report their trading to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under SEC rules. The Office of General Counsel will assist in the preparation of these reports. Federal securities laws provide for substantial civil and criminal penalties for individuals who trade on inside information (or give inside information to others which is then used for such purposes) and for a company (as well as possibly any supervisory person) that fails to take appropriate steps to prevent illegal trading.
Officers and directors are also prohibited from trading in company stock during a pension "black out" period, which is a period of at least three days during which at least half of WGL Holdings' individual account plan participants are not permitted to trade WGL Holdings stock within their plans.
Regulatory Compliance
The purchases, sales and other activities engaged in by subsidiaries of WGL Holdings, Inc., Washington Gas and Washington Gas Energy Services ("WGES"), are subject to regulation by various federal agencies, such as the Commodities Futures Trading Commission, the Federal Trade Commission and the Securities Exchange Commission. WGL Holdings, Inc. subsidiaries, Washington Gas and WGES, will conduct business in a manner consistent with all applicable regulatory regulations and requirements. Those subsidiaries also are subject to regulations of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") that are designed to maintain energy markets that are transparent and free from manipulation. This includes, but is not limited to, regulations regarding capacity release, buy/sell transactions, and price reporting. When WGL Holdings, Inc. subsidiaries Washington Gas and WGES engage in the purchase and sale of gas or electricity or the reporting of such transactions to publishers of natural gas or other indices, they will conduct such business consistent with applicable FERC regulations and requirements.
Political Activities
It is proper and necessary for WGL Holdings to concern itself with
local and national affairs that might directly affect the company's
welfare or that might affect the political and economic system under
which the company operates. Management has a responsibility to shareholders,
employees and the general public to assist in creating an awareness,
understanding and acceptance of the company's position at all levels
of government activity. Therefore, the company will selectively participate
in such political activities as may be permitted to business corporations
under the laws applicable to the jurisdiction in question.
To the extent permitted by applicable law, the company may make political
contributions in state campaigns as well as sponsor political committees
to administer and disburse funds contributed by its employees for the
purpose of electing candidates favorable to the company's position.
Contributions to such committees are to be completely voluntary. There
is no pressure, direct or implied, that infringes on the right of any
employee to decide whether, to whom and in what amount he or she will
make a political contribution. Any employee who receives a solicitation
to contribute to any such committee may refuse to contribute without
any fear of reprisal. No employee shall be favored or disadvantaged
on the basis of the amount of any such contribution or his or her decision
not to make a contribution.
Accurate Books and Records
All funds, assets, liabilities (actual and contingent) and transactions
of WGL Holdings shall be fully and correctly recorded and disclosed.
Invoices, orders or authorizations for payment shall correctly describe
the goods or services to which they relate and be processed in a timely
manner by authorized WGL Holdings personnel. Employee expenditures including
travel, entertainment and meals, and time reporting including time worked
and time off must be recorded timely and accurately, and authorized
as appropriate.
Assistance and Compliance
All employees have the responsibility to resolve Code of Conduct issues promptly as they arise. Ethical questions, concerns or suspected violations should be brought to the attention of your supervisor, the Division Head - Internal Audit or WGL Holdings' Compliance Officer, or the General Counsel for resolution. All employees have the responsibility to understand and comply with the company's Code of Conduct. The company will investigate all possible violations, with respect for the rights of all parties concerned. The company will not discriminate against employees and will not allow any form of retaliation for reports made in good faith. Violations of the Code of Conduct are grounds for disciplinary action, which may include termination of employment. In the event of criminal activities, the company will go forward with disciplinary or discharge proceedings and will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law.
Violations of the Code of Conduct are grounds for disciplinary action,
which may include termination of employment. In the event of criminal
activities, the company will go forward with disciplinary or discharge
proceedings and will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law.
As required by listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange, any
waiver of this Code of Conduct for executive officers or directors of
the company may be made only by the board or a board committee of the
company.
The documents attached to this web page may be changed from time to time by the Company, and those changes may not be reflected on the attached copies. These attached documents are not official copies of Company records, and should not be relied upon as complete and accurate copies of those documents.