SAN DIEGO, 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 tight electricity supplies and rising natural gas prices.
SDG&E 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 SDG&E. "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 SDG&E to administer approximately $258 million of energy-efficiency funds including substantial rebates for residential customers, ranging from $35 to more than $600, for such items as refrigerators, air conditioners, pool pumps, lighting, water heaters, 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, SDG&E 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. SDG&E also has put 20 percent of the implementation of energy-efficiency programs out to bid to encourage innovative approaches to saving electricity and natural gas. The utility also is partnering with the City of San Diego, the City of Chula Vista, San Diego County and the County Water Authority to ensure the effectiveness of energy-efficiency programs.
In its decision, the CPUC pointed out that customers will not only benefit from reductions in their energy usage, but also from reduced energy plant construction and improved environmental conditions.
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.