LOS ANGELES, March 9, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- With unseasonably cold weather expected in the Southland beginning tomorrow night, and with chances of heavy showers and a snow level as low as 1,500 feet in some areas, Southern California Gas Co. (The Gas Company) officials are offering a number of cold-weather tips.
"As Mother Nature turns down the temperature, we tend to turn up the thermostat," said Michelle Mueller, vice president of customer services for The Gas Company.
The Gas Company offers these tips for a warm, safe and energy-efficient winter:
-- Home heating and water heating make up about 85 percent of winter
natural gas use. The best way to help keep winter gas bills lower
is to conserve energy.
-- When using the home furnace, lower the thermostat 3 degrees to 5
degrees (health permitting) and turn it off when not at home.
This can help save up to 20 percent on heating costs.
-- Check the furnace filter monthly and clean or replace it,
per manufacturer's recommendations, to save up to 2
percent on heating costs.
-- Caulk and weatherstrip drafty doors and windows to save up to 5
percent on heating costs.
-- Use an extra blanket and turn down the furnace thermostat at night
as the weather turns cooler.
-- Take shorter, cooler showers. For a family of four, a
seven-minute shower a day per person could save about $30 on the
monthly gas bill.
-- Use cold or cool water when washing clothes to save up to 10
percent on hot-water costs.
-- Fix leaky faucets to prevent hot water from being wasted.
-- Run the dishwasher only when full.
-- Have air ducts tested for leaks and seal any leaks to save up to
20 percent on heating costs.
The Gas Company offers rebates on qualified high-efficiency natural gas furnaces, water heaters, attic and wall insulation and other home-improvement items. Energy-efficiency program information and applications are available at www.socalgas.com.
For eligible customers with limited income, The Gas Company offers a 20-percent rate discount on monthly gas bills through the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program and free energy-saving home improvements, including repair or replacement of qualifying home furnaces, through the Direct Assistance Program (DAP). Income guidelines have been revised for these programs to allow more customers to be eligible. One-time, winter- bill assistance also is available for eligible customers through the Gas Assistance Fund.
For more information on conservation and simple home improvement tips, as well as energy-efficiency rebates and applications, customers should visit The Gas Company's Web site at www.socalgas.com, or call The Gas Company toll-free at (800) 427-2200. Customers are asked to have their account number handy for faster service.
The Gas Company is the nation's largest natural gas distribution utility, providing safe and reliable energy to 19.8 million consumers through 5.6 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.