SAN DIEGO, Oct. 12, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) has asked the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) for expedited approval of two new programs to help its customers manage expected record-high natural gas costs this winter. Utilities nationwide are experiencing increased natural gas costs due to a number of market factors including increased demand and tighter supplies.
"We expect that the nationwide increase in natural gas prices will pose a very real hardship for our customers this winter," said Anne Smith, senior vice president of customer services for SDG&E. "We are making these requests to the CPUC so that we can help buffer our customers from these escalating costs."
In its first filing, SDG&E has asked for approval of new and streamlined procedures this winter to enable more customers to take advantage of special assistance programs. SDG&E is seeking CPUC approval to:
-- Suspend requirements for certain customer documentation in
order to expedite and increase enrollment in the California
Alternate Rates for Energy program (CARE). CARE provides
a 20-percent energy bill discount to income-qualified
customers.
-- Revise CARE income guidelines for seniors and disabled
customers to enable an additional 18,000 customers to
qualify for the CARE discounts.
-- Expand CARE outreach to include a targeted campaign to
enroll eligible customers by phone.
-- Allow for more replacement of low-efficiency natural
gas forced-air furnaces to provide energy and cost savings
for customers eligible for its Energy Team program. The
Energy Team is an energy-efficiency program that provides
weatherization services at no cost to income-qualified
customers.
In its second filing, SDG&E has asked for CPUC approval of a natural gas hedging plan that will help mitigate the impact of severe price spikes this winter. A portion of this insurance plan will be dedicated to its CARE customers. This hedging insurance plan is needed to help protect customers against price run-ups in the event unforeseen conditions in the market should develop.
Given the urgent need for consumer help, driven by the national rise in natural gas prices, SDG&E has asked the CPUC to consider both filing requests at its upcoming meeting Oct. 27, 2005.
Meanwhile, SDG&E has assembled a comprehensive array of programs and services to help consumers prepare for and manage increases in natural gas prices expected this winter. SDG&E is initiating for the winter flexible credit procedures for low-income customers experiencing difficulties paying their bills, including a no shut-off policy for those customers who make minimum payments and the waiver of certain fees, and increasing its contribution to funds to help needy customers pay bills.
SDG&E continues to urge all customers to conserve the use of energy, and take advantage of all available programs and services it offers to assist customers in managing energy costs this winter. Customers can visit SDG&E's Web site, at www.sdge.com for information on energy-efficiency rebates, conservation tips and customer-assistance program eligibility and application information. In addition, customers can call SDG&E at (800) 411-SDGE (7343).
SDG&E is a regulated public utility that provides safe and reliable energy service to 3.3 million consumers through 1.3 million electric meters and more than 800,000 natural gas meters in San Diego and southern Orange counties. The utility's area spans 4,100 square miles. Exceptional customer service is a priority of SDG&E as it seeks to enhance the region's quality of life. SDG&E 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.sdge.com.