SAN DIEGO, March 7, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) announced it is seeking up to 140 megawatts (MW), of new "preferred energy resources," including energy storage, renewable energy, distributed generation, energy efficiency and demand response.

The solicitation for additional preferred energy resources builds upon SDG&E's significant investments in clean energy. The utility currently has more than 60 renewable contracts representing more than 2,400 MW of renewable energy, the equivalent of powering more than 700,000 San Diego homes for a year. In 2015, SDG&E became the first California utility to supply its customers with a third of its energy, 33 percent, from renewable resources.

"We're not only committed to reducing air emissions and meeting California's climate goals, we're leading the way," said SDG&E's Chief Energy Supply Officer, Scott Drury. "Through renewable energy investments, we've helped to advance clean energy technologies resulting in emissions reductions that are comparable to taking more than 250,000 gasoline-powered cars off local roadways."

"Our future focus is to balance our clean energy goals with providing more choices and affordable energy to our customers," added Drury.

As part of the competitive solicitation released on February 26, SDG&E will thoroughly evaluate all proposals to ensure that customers are receiving the greatest benefit at the lowest cost. Additionally, any new energy resource included will be located within SDG&E's service area.

Bid submissions are due on July 1, 2016 and the utility anticipates the selection of the "short list" by Oct. 28, 2016. For additional information visit: sdge.com/2016PrefResourcesLCRRFO

SDG&E is a regulated public utility that provides safe and reliable energy service to 3.5 million consumers through 1.4 million electric meters and 873,000 natural gas meters in San Diego and southern Orange counties. The utility's area spans 4,100 square miles. SDG&E is committed to creating ways to help customers save energy and money every day. SDG&E is a subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), a Fortune 500 energy services holding company based in San Diego. Connect with SDG&E's Customer Contact Center at 800-411-7343, on Twitter (@SDGE) and Facebook.

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SOURCE San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E)