LOS ANGELES, Sept. 21, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Southern California Gas Co. (The Gas Company) welcomed a bold plan adopted unanimously yesterday by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) that solidifies California's leadership position in energy efficiency and reduction of greenhouse-gas emissions.
The ruling bolsters California's energy-conservation efforts by allowing the utilities to share in the consumer benefits of reducing energy use through utility programs.
"The commission's decision is another clear demonstration of its commitment to energy conservation, and we applaud this groundbreaking move," said Anne S. Smith, The Gas Company's senior vice president for customer service. "Our energy-efficiency programs will save our customers billions of dollars in energy costs over time, while also cutting greenhouse-gas emissions, so putting extra force behind these efforts benefits all of us."
Well-known for its progressive energy-efficiency policies, California's per-capita energy use has remained relatively flat over the past three decades, while nationwide per-capita use has increased by nearly 50 percent, according to the California Energy Commission's 2005 Integrated Energy Policy Report.
Over the past 10 years, The Gas Company has invested $320 million into programs that have helped customers save more than 310 million therms - enough natural gas to power 516,000 homes for a year.
"We continue to believe energy efficiency is the most cost-effective and environmentally responsible means to meet our long-term energy needs," Smith said.
The Gas Company has numerous programs, with incentives and rebates totaling more than $60 million, to help business and residential customers reduce their energy use and costs. These customer programs have garnered numerous national recognitions.
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.