LOS ANGELES, March 18, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- For the 21st consecutive year, Southern California Gas Co. (The Gas Company) has been awarded the "Outstanding Lease Maintenance Award" for its Aliso Canyon natural gas storage facility located near Northridge by the California Department of Conservation's (DOC) Division of Oil, Gas and Geothermal Resources (DOGGR). Three additional natural storage facilities were also honored with the same award for multiple consecutive years, which include The Gas Company's Honor Rancho site, for the last 19 years, the site at Playa del Rey, 15 years, and the Montebello site, 16 years.
The DOC's annual award recognizes gas- and oil-field-lease operators for outstanding maintenance of wells, compliance with regulations and good corporate citizenship. Sites are nominated for the award by field inspectors for the DOC.
Based on its experience with 551 operators of oil and gas leases in California, the DOC in 2004 gave out 35 Outstanding Lease Maintenance Awards to oil, gas and geothermal operators in the state. The awards recognize lease maintenance efforts that enhance safety and environmental protection above and beyond what is required.
"This award is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our employees to ensure that our underground storage operations are safe and efficient on an ongoing basis," said Lee M. Stewart, senior vice president for gas transmission at The Gas Company.
The Playa del Rey natural gas storage site has been in service since the 1940s, while both the Aliso Canyon and Honor Rancho sites have been in service since the mid-1970s. The Montebello site is no longer actively used for storing natural gas. The Gas Company developed these facilities to meet the rapidly growing need for natural gas. Most of the fields continue to benefit from improvements to surface facilities and reservoir operations and have expanded to meet continued market growth.
The DOC oversees operations at The Gas Company storage fields. The state agency also ensures the safe exploration and development of oil, natural gas and geothermal resources. This includes oversight of the construction, operation and closure of wells used to tap energy resources, which is important for conservation of natural resources and in safeguarding drinking and agricultural waters.
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.