The regulatory panel debating a proposed natural gas rate increase for District of Columbia customers has canceled a series of public meetings on the matter and suspended proceedings after Washington Gas refused to turn over papers tied to the increase.

The District’s Public Service Commission last month ordered Washington Gas Light Co. to furnish documents demanded by the Office of the People’s Counsel and the Office and Professional Employees International Union Local 2, two of the groups that oppose the utility’s proposed 8.1 percent rate increase.