LOS ANGELES, April 13, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Southern California Gas Co. (The Gas Company) has been awarded the "Outstanding Lease Maintenance Award" for two of its natural gas storage facilities located in the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys. The award was given by the California Department of Conservation's Division of Oil, Gas and Geothermal Resources (DOGGR).
The Gas Company's Aliso Canyon site located near Northridge was honored with the award for the 22nd consecutive year and the Honor Rancho site located near Valencia was also honored with the same award for the 20th consecutive year.
"This award is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our employees to ensure that our underground storage operations are safe and efficient on an ongoing basis," said Lee M. Stewart, senior vice president for gas operations at The Gas Company.
The annual award recognizes gas- and oil-field-lease operators for outstanding maintenance of wells, compliance with regulations and good corporate citizenship. Sites are nominated for the award by field inspectors for the Department of Conservation.
The Gas Company earned two of the 35 Outstanding Lease Maintenance Awards given by the Department of Conservation to oil, gas and geothermal operators in the state in 2005. The awards recognize lease-maintenance efforts that enhance safety and environmental protection above and beyond what is required.
Both the Aliso Canyon and Honor Rancho sites have been in service since the mid-1970s. The Gas Company developed these facilities to meet the rapidly growing need for natural gas. Most of the fields continue to benefit from improvements to surface facilities and reservoir operations and have expanded to meet continued market growth.
The Department of Conservation oversees operations at The Gas Company storage fields. The state agency also ensures the safe exploration and development of oil, natural gas and geothermal resources. This includes oversight of the construction, operation and closure of wells used to tap energy resources, which is important for conservation of natural resources and in safeguarding drinking and agricultural waters.
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. To learn more, go to www.socalgas.com.