LOS ANGELES, Dec. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) today issued a "SoCalGas Advisory," which asks customers to immediately reduce their natural gas use to help lower the risk of possible natural gas and electricity shortages. The Advisory will continue until further notice.

SoCalGas has also issued a system-wide curtailment watch to noncore customers (large commercial and industrial customers, including electric generation plants). SoCalGas is currently meeting system demands utilizing significant storage withdrawal. However, due to severe cold weather conditions throughout the southwestern United States and the SoCalGas service territory, there is a potential for interstate pipeline supply disruptions. Noncore customers are advised that they may be receiving a notice to curtail service.

SoCalGas urges residential customers to immediately reduce their natural gas use by:

• Lowering their thermostats to 68 degrees or below
• Waiting a day to use natural gas appliances, and
• Washing clothes in cold water when possible.

More than 95 percent of Southern Californians use natural gas for home heating, and about 60 percent of the electricity used in California comes from power plants that run on natural gas. By conserving natural gas during this critical period, SoCalGas customers can help lower the risk of possible natural gas and electricity shortages. 

The California Public Utilities Commission ordered the creation of the "SoCalGas Advisory" program to help address state agencies' concerns about regional energy reliability this winter due to the moratorium on injection operations at Aliso Canyon.

More ways to conserve natural gas and information on the program are available at socalgas.com/advisory.

About Southern California Gas Co.

Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) has been delivering clean, safe and reliable natural gas to its customers for more than 145 years. It is the nation's largest natural gas distribution utility, providing service to 21.6 million consumers connected through 5.9 million meters in more than 500 communities. The company's service territory encompasses approximately 20,000 square miles throughout central and Southern California, from Visalia to the Mexican border. SoCalGas is a regulated subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), a Fortune 500 energy services holding company based in San Diego.

SOURCE Southern California Gas Co.