LOS ANGELES, March 24, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Southern California Gas Co. (The Gas Company) is inviting local customers to an information-gathering workshop on energy efficiency on March 29. The free public workshop is part of the utility's effort to solicit input on the types of energy efficiency programs and services it should offer customers starting in 2006.
This workshop will discuss the energy efficiency programs that are currently available to residential and business customers, as well as propose initial concepts for new programs and services. Customers will have a chance to share their suggestions on what they would like to see in the future.
The Gas Company encourages the public to attend the workshop, which will be held at The Gas Company's Energy Resource Center in Downey, 9240 E. Firestone Blvd., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
After considering public input, The Gas Company plans to file its recommendations for the energy efficiency menu of programs and services for The Gas Company customers. The filing will be made on June 1, 2005 with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).
In January 2005, the CPUC returned the state's investor owned utilities to the lead role of administering energy efficiency programs and also made the utilities accountable for program results. As part of this regulatory decision, 20 percent of the energy efficiency program funding will be put out to bid to third parties.
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.