LOS ANGELES , Jan. 26, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- After this year began with a series of rain-drenching winter storms in Southern California, weather experts predict a return to less precipitation, but colder weather patterns for the coming weeks or more. January's cold and wet weather has meant increased use of home furnaces to stay warm and dry. That usage and the nationwide increase in natural gas prices, says Southern California Gas Co. (The Gas Company), means higher natural gas bills for most customers.
Home furnace use accounts for more than half of a typical residential customer's winter bill, so managing furnace use is imperative to keeping heating costs down. "It costs about $1 per hour to run the furnace, which can add up over many hours, days, weeks and month," said Michelle Mueller, vice president of customer service for The Gas Company.
As customers use their heaters to fight the lower temperatures, The Gas Company wants to remind eligible customers about rebates of up to $200 for purchase and installation of qualified new energy-efficient appliances or home improvement products that can help customers lower monthly energy bills.
Now, The Gas Company is offering qualified customers rebates of $10 to $200 or more, if they purchase new energy-efficient appliances or home-improvement products.
The Gas Company offers rebates for selected appliances and upgrades that can help customers lower future monthly energy bills to save money now and keep saving later.
2005 Rebates for qualifying home energy-efficiency measures: PRODUCT REBATE Wall or attic insulation 15 cents/sq. ft. Energy Star-qualified natural gas furnace $200/unit Natural gas storage water heater $30/unit Energy Star-qualified programmable thermostat $10/unit Energy Star dishwasher $30/unit Energy Star clothes washer (Tier I) $35/unit High Efficient clothes washer (Tier II) $75/unit
The rebates are available on a first-come, first-served basis through the end of the year, or until funds are depleted. Before buying qualifying products, customers are encouraged to verify rebate availability by calling The Gas Company toll-free at (888) 431-2226.
With natural gas costs remaining high nationwide due to cold weather, tight supplies and increased demand, typical residential customers of The Gas Company could see their monthly bills increase to $90 to $100 this winter (based on 75 therms of usage), compared with $67 last year, Mueller added.
The Gas Company offers customers these helpful tips to manage their winter gas bills:
-- Focus on the furnace. Lower the furnace thermostat 3 degrees to 5
degrees (health permitting). Turn it off when not at home. Check
furnace filters every month during the heating season and clean or
replace the filter when necessary. When installing a new or
cleaned filter, be sure to re-install the front panel door of the
furnace properly so it fits snugly. And, never operate the
furnace without the front-panel door properly in place because
doing so may create the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Install a programmable thermostat and consider adding another
blanket or two at night to stay warm.
-- Sign up for a home energy-efficiency analysis. This free home
energy survey is available online or by mail and can help
customers learn where their home is using the most energy. The
Gas Company responds with a report with specific recommendations
for more efficient use of energy. In-home audits are available
for a limited basis.
-- Sign up for energy assistance. The California Alternate Rate for
Energy (CARE) Program provides a 20-percent discounted rate to
income-qualified customers. Eligible customers also may qualify
for assistance of up to $150 on their winter natural gas bills
under the Gas Assistance Fund, beginning in mid-February.
In addition, customers can find more tips and program information, including a rebate application online at www.socalgas.com.
The Gas Company is the nation's largest natural gas distribution utility, providing safe and reliable energy to 19.2 million consumers through 5.4 million meters. The company's service territory encompasses 23,000 square miles in most of central and Southern California. The Gas Company strives to provide exceptional customer service to enhance the quality of life in the community. The Gas Company is a regulated subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE:SRE). Sempra Energy, based in San Diego, is a Fortune 500 energy services holding company.