A D.C. Public Service Commission order directing Washington Gas to act on all natural gas-related complaints within 50 minutes threatens public safety by spreading the utility’s resources dangerously thin, the company said last week.

The commission, which regulates D.C.’s public utilities, implemented the rules last month “to ensure the quality and reliability of natural gas service.” But Washington Gas argued last week in a filing with the commission that the directive may put the public at risk and should be overturned.