LOS ANGELES, Sept. 22, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) today approved funding for an expanded portfolio of energy-efficiency programs designed to help customers reduce energy usage amid rising natural gas prices.
Southern California Gas Co. (The Gas Company) is projecting that natural gas bills will rise significantly this winter due to record high oil prices, combined with increased worldwide demand for energy, which is putting upward pressure on all energy prices, including natural gas. In addition, recent catastrophic storms disrupted natural gas production in the Gulf of Mexico and worsened already tight supplies.
"The State of California with this decision is leading the most aggressive energy efficiency effort in history and is a critical component of our energy future," said Anne Smith, senior vice president of customer services for The Gas Company. "Our energy- efficiency programs offer customers assistance to help reduce their energy usage and lower their energy bills."
The CPUC's three-year plan for 2006-08 calls for The Gas Company to administer approximately $169 million of energy-efficiency funds including substantial rebates for residential customers, ranging from $35 to more than $200, for such items as energy-efficient furnaces, water heaters, washer and dryers and additional home insulation. In some cases, the utility will be able to apply the newly approved funds immediately to provide consumer relief with rebates.
Today's decision applies to the four major investor-owned utilities in California - The Gas Company, San Diego Gas & Electric, Southern California Edison and Pacific Gas & Electric.
Programs are available for businesses and new construction projects. Incentives include assistance for the design of environmentally friendly buildings with technologies that conserve natural gas.
To determine its portfolio of programs, The Gas Company worked collaboratively with a Program Advisory Group, comprised of large-business customers, community leaders and individuals who provided feedback during public meetings. Getting public input was a new requirement included in a recent CPUC decision that put the utilities back in the role of administering energy-efficiency programs. The Gas Company has put 20 percent of the implementation of energy-efficiency programs out to bid to encourage innovative approaches to saving natural gas.
In its decision, the CPUC pointed out that customers will not only benefit from reductions in their energy usage, but also from improved environmental conditions.
The Gas Company is the nation's largest natural gas distribution utility, providing safe and reliable energy to 19.5 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. To learn more, go to www.socalgas.com.