LOS ANGELES, July 16, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Southern California Gas Co. (The Gas Company) has expanded its energy-efficiency programs for businesses, offering rebates and incentives that could exceed $1.2 million annually per customer.
Virtually any of The Gas Company's 250,000 commercial and industrial customers can benefit from these programs, said Mark Gaines, The Gas Company's director of customer programs.
"One of these programs, known as our Business Energy Efficiency Program (BEEP), now offers up to $1 million per customer per year -- an increase of $700,000 to attract very large and comprehensive projects," Gaines said.
BEEP provides incentives for replacing equipment not covered in the company's rebate program, and also for improving business processes.
"We're taking another look at some potential energy-efficiency projects in light of the higher incentives," said Keith Geiger, chief of plant operations for the County of Orange. "Now it's possible to get incentives of $120,000 or more for a project that used to be capped at $25,000."
The Gas Company's Express Efficiency rebate program continues to offer up to $200,000 annually per business customer for energy-efficient boilers, commercial water heaters, pipe wrap and other measures.
The utility also has expanded its Savings By Design incentive program for energy-efficient new construction. This program pays up to $150,000 per project and customers may qualify for multiple projects within a given year. Savings By Design also allows food-service customers to receive rebates on new cooking equipment.
The Gas Company expanded its programs to encourage greater customer interest in energy efficiency.
"In light of the high cost of energy and new gas supply projects, energy efficiency is often the most cost-effective way to meet the rising demand for energy," Gaines said.
For more information on The Gas Company's incentive and rebate programs, visit www.socalgas.com/energyefficiency, contact a representative from The Gas Company, or call (800) GAS-2000.
All incentives and rebates are subject to change without notice and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis as long as funding is available. These programs are funded by California utility customers and administered by The Gas Company under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission.
The Gas Company is the nation's largest natural gas distribution utility, providing safe and reliable energy to 20.1 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. To learn more, go to www.socalgas.com.