The report examines the current processes utilized by the state public utility commissions to establish allowed returns on equity (ROE) for natural gas utilities in an effort to determine if ROEs being approved are adequate and sufficient to address U.S. distribution infrastructure needs. The continued success of the utility sector to deliver natural gas safely and reliably depends upon a strong and viable infrastructure that will meet growing local distribution company (LDC) customer demands. The infrastructure development needed to address new and aging infrastructure relies heavily upon the ability of the industry to attract strong capital investment.