LOS ANGELES, March 17, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Southern California Gas Co. (The Gas Company) is offering rebates and incentives to small- and medium-sized business customers on the installation of a wide range of natural gas-fueled energy efficiency equipment. Funds are available for a limited time only for the replacement and upgrade of existing gas-fueled equipment with qualifying new, high-efficiency gas technology alternatives.
This season's cold and wet weather has meant increased use of furnaces. That usage and the nationwide increase in natural gas prices means higher natural gas bills for most business and residential customers.
"We want to help our customers improve their energy efficiency," says Michelle Mueller, vice president of customer service for The Gas Company. "Managing a business' energy use will help enhance the company's bottom-line profitability."
Statewide Express Efficiency Program
Qualifying energy-efficient equipment includes commercial clothes washers, storage water heaters, instantaneous water heaters, space heating boilers, commercial boilers, process boilers, commercial pool heaters, pipe and tank insulation, infrared film and heat curtains for greenhouses, and low-flow pre-rinse spray valves.
The following list includes energy-efficient commercial and industrial appliances and equipment that are eligible for 2005 rebates:
Equipment Type Rebate per unit (a)
Pipe or Tank Insulation $3 per linear foot, square foot
Greenhouse Heat Curtains 20 cents per square foot (b)
Commercial Clothes Washer $150 per unit
Storage Water Heater $2 per Mbtuh
Instantaneous Water Heaters $2 per Mbtuh
Space-Heating Boilers $1 per Mbtuh
Commercial Boilers $1.50 per Mbtuh
Process Boilers $2 per Mbtuh
Infrared Film for Greenhouses 3 cents per square foot
Commercial Pool Heaters $2 per Mbtuh
Low-Flow Pre-Rinse Spray Valves $30 per unit
Direct Contact Water Heater $2 per Mbtuh
Mbtuh is the natural gas consumption unit of measurement (Mbtuh=one
thousand British Thermal units).
(a) Some rebates offered on qualifying models; visit The Gas Company
Website to verify models.
(b) The maximum rebate for greenhouse heat curtains is $25,000.
Qualifying energy-efficient equipment must be purchased and installed prior to submitting rebate applications, and business customers are encouraged to call The Gas Company to reserve funds for a rebate. For information, call (800) 508-2348.
Equipment and Process Improvement Rebate and Incentive Programs
Commercial Food Service Equipment
Rebates for a wide variety of qualifying energy-efficient commercial food service equipment are available. For information, visit online at www.socalgas.com, or call (800) GAS-2000 to find out if the equipment desired qualifies. Please note that equipment under this program must be purchased and installed prior to submitting an application.
Equipment Replacement
This program includes "kind-for-kind" replacement of old, inefficient commercial or industrial end-use natural gas technology with higher-efficiency alternatives.
Energy Conservation
Energy-conservation programs provide qualified customers with a financial incentive to implement comprehensive energy-saving commercial building envelope or industrial process changes on a unique, site-specific case-by-case basis. For commercial and industrial equipment incentives, contact The Gas Company prior to purchasing any equipment to determine eligibility guidelines.
Energy-Efficiency Analysis
This no-cost program aims to reduce energy consumption. This program includes an analysis of the customer's energy use as well as information on the relative costs and benefits of installing measures or adopting practices that can increase energy efficiency and conservation.
To conduct a self-audit, visit The Gas Company online at www.socalgas.com/business, and click on "Energy Savings Finder." Businesses can also call the Info Center at (800) 427-6584, press "4," to receive a CD-ROM or contact (800) GAS-2000 for additional information on audits.
Food Service Equipment Center
The Food Service Equipment Center has more than 150 pieces of energy-efficient natural gas cooking equipment from over 60 manufacturers. Customers can test the equipment to assess cooking quality, time and production; evaluate design features, compare operating costs, and determine ease of maintenance -- all at no cost. To schedule an appointment, please call (800) 427-6584, press "3."
For more information regarding any of these programs, visit online at www.socalgas.com, or call (800) GAS-2000.
The Gas Company is the nation's largest natural gas distribution utility, providing safe and reliable energy to 19.2 million consumers through 5.5 million meters. The company's service territory encompasses approximately 20,000 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.