LOS ANGELES, Nov. 19, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) is accepting applications through the end of the year to a first-of-its-kind program to provide free short-term rentals of compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks to qualified customers interested in exploring how this clean fuel can help them save money.

"We're hearing from many customers who are interested in taking advantage of the economic and environmental benefits of natural gas, but are hesitant to change to an unfamiliar technology," said Rodger Schwecke, vice president of customer solutions for SoCalGas. "Our Truck Rental Program gives customers the opportunity to experience how the latest natural gas trucks provide tremendous benefits with similar performance to diesel trucks."

SoCalGas is now accepting applications from Southern California-based customers with trucks that operate at least 60,000 miles annually, consuming at least 10,000 gallons of diesel per year.

The cost of fueling the trucks is also included in the program — participants will be given a payment card that will be accepted at most public CNG fueling stations, including the more than 125 stations located across Southern California. The rental of up to two weeks, pending availability, will be administered through Ryder, whose natural gas fleet has logged over 40 million miles since 2011. Four different models of trucks are available, depending on the applicants' needs.

Natural gas is one of the most affordable and cleanest burning alternative fuels available today.

At SoCalGas' CNG pumps, prices this month are averaging $2.25 per gallon. By comparison, diesel prices in California are hovering around $2.80 per gallon this month, according to the U.S. Energy Information Association.

The program, part of SoCalGas' ongoing effort to expand the adoption of natural gas and alternative fuels for heavy-duty trucking, is on a first come, first served basis. See program rules for additional information and limitations with respect to the program. For more details and to learn how to apply, visit socalgas.com and search for "NGV."

About Southern California Gas Co.
Southern California Gas Co. has been delivering clean, safe and reliable natural gas to its customers for more than 140 years. It is the nation's largest natural gas distribution utility, providing service to 21 million consumers connected through more than 5.8 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. Southern California Gas Co. is a regulated subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE). Sempra Energy, based in San Diego, is a Fortune 500 energy services holding company with 2014 revenues of $11 billion. The Sempra Energy companies' 17,000 employees serve more than 32 million consumers worldwide. 

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SOURCE Southern California Gas Co.