LOS ANGELES, Nov. 10, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- With projections of record high winter heating bills locally as well as across the country, Southern California Gas Co. (The Gas Company) is inviting its customers and employees to donate to its Gas Assistance Fund. The utility's bill-assistance program, which is open to income-qualified customers and those facing financial hardships, provides for a one-time grant amount of up to $150 per customer.
"The Gas Assistance Fund helps our customers who are facing hardships stay warm this winter," said Michelle Mueller, vice president of customer services for SDG&E. "But, more importantly, it helps stretch a family's budget for other necessities."
Through funding from its shareholders, The Gas Company will contribute $4 for every $1 a customer or employee donates to the Gas Assistance Fund -- up to $800,000. These funds are available through participating United Way of Greater Los Angeles agencies. The program, which has been in place for more than 20 years, has helped thousands of needy Southern Californians pay their natural gas bills through the disbursement of more than $10 million.
Last winter, The Gas Company helped nearly 3,000 customers through individual contributions and company matching funds totaling $331,000.
From Nov. 1, 2005 through Apr. 28, 2006, or until the funds are depleted, the United Way of Greater Los Angeles, working with approximately 100 community agencies strategically located throughout central and Southern California, will distribute the Gas Assistance Fund contributions to income-qualified customers.
Gas Company customers may mail their voluntary tax-deductible contributions to: United Way, Gas Assistance Fund, File 56826, Los Angeles, CA 90074-6826, or donate online by logging on to www.unitedwayla.org.
In addition to the Gas Assistance Fund, The Gas Company offers other programs to help natural gas customers manage their higher energy bills this winter, caused by a tight supply-demand balance in the national market.
The Gas Company has instituted flexible credit procedures this winter for low-income customers experiencing difficulties paying their bills, including a no shut-off policy for low-income customers who make minimum payments, and the waiver of certain fees. Customers who are having difficulty paying their bills should contact The Gas Company at (800) 427-2200. Programs to assist income-eligible customers have been expanded during the winter months to provide help to more customers. These include a 20-percent discount on bills and no-cost measures to make homes more energy efficient.
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.