EXHIBIT 99.1



                     WASHINGTON GAS LIGHT COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

                 Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and
                            Preferred Stock Dividends

                      Twelve Months Ended December 31, 1996
                                   (Unaudited)

                             (Dollars in Thousands)




                                                                   
FIXED CHARGES AND PRE-TAX PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS:

  Interest Expense ..............................................     $  31,187
  Amortization of Debt Premium, Discount and Expense ............           276
  Interest Component of Rentals .................................            64
                                                                      ---------
    Total Fixed Charges .........................................        31,527
  Pre-tax Preferred Dividends ...................................         2,115
                                                                      ---------

        Total ...................................................     $  33,642
                                                                      =========



  Preferred Dividends ...........................................     $   1,332
  Effective Income Tax Rate .....................................         .3703
  Complement of Effective Income Tax Rate
    (1 - Tax Rate) ..............................................         .6297

  Pre-Tax Preferred Dividends ...................................     $   2,115
                                                                      =========

EARNINGS:

  Net Income ....................................................    $   80,674
  Add:
    Income Taxes Applicable to Operating Income .................        47,574
    Income Taxes Applicable to Other Income (Loss) - Net ........          (132)
    Total Fixed Charges .........................................        31,527
                                                                      ---------

  Total Earnings ................................................     $ 159,643
                                                                      =========

  Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and
        Preferred Stock Dividends ...............................           4.7
                                                                      =========