LOS ANGELES, April 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Owners and operators of natural gas-fueled trucks and autos now have a new, convenient place to fuel in western Riverside County, as SoCalGas opens its new Murrieta compressed natural gas (CNG) station, the company's 15th public-access station.

Located at the SoCalGas operating base at 41376 Guava Street, the 24-hour retail station is near the intersection of two interstate highways, I-15 and I-215. It is conveniently situated for trucks and other commercial vehicles traveling between Southern California locations.

While the Murrieta station is accessible to all natural gas vehicles (NGVs), it is designed to provide optimized access for trucks and commercial vehicles. The design features include a wider turning radius and ample space to allow for safe, efficient fueling for multiple vehicles.

"Fuel availability is a key requirement for any NGV fleet operator and SoCalGas has worked to ensure that Southern California has one of the best CNG refueling networks in the U.S.; one that continues to grow every year," said Mike Schneider, vice president of operations support & chief environmental officer, customer service & solutions for SoCalGas. "We are pleased to add the Murrieta station to our network and believe its location and truck-friendly design will make it a vital asset to NGV fleet operators and the growing numbers of heavy-duty trucking customers."

The new SoCalGas station features four dispenser hoses supported by significant storage for improved fill speed and increased reliability, modern nozzles similar to gasoline and diesel dispensers and overhead canopies to protect customers from sun and rain. Energy-efficient LED signage enables motorists to compare natural gas fuel prices and drought-tolerant landscaping adds beauty together with energy and water-saving environmental benefits.

"SoCalGas has done an outstanding job adding this new station in Murrieta. It is convenient, reliable and has easy access for large vehicles," said Jason Osborn, Director of Transportation for the Temecula Valley Unified School District, which operates a fleet of 20 natural gas-powered school buses. "It is the best and fastest fuel we've ever had at a public access station."

Added Barbara Ortiz-Monson, the Murrieta Valley Unified School District's Director of Transportation, "Murrieta Valley Unified School District has made a commitment to clean energy. We are equipped with a robust CNG fueling station for our fleet. However, because there are few CNG stations in Murrieta, our district developed a fueling partnership with SoCalGas to provide fuel through its network, including the new Murrieta CNG station."

In addition to tremendous air quality benefits, drivers of NGVs, including commercial vehicles, can achieve annual cost savings up to 50 percent compared with gasoline and diesel. Current prices for each of SoCalGas' 15 CNG stations are posted on SoCalGas.com.

As a pioneer in supporting NGV technology, SoCalGas actively supports the development of the NGV infrastructure, including refueling facilities. SoCalGas also has an extensive NGV program to provide information, education and support to residential and business customers that use, or would benefit from using, clean-burning natural gas as a transportation fuel.

Additionally, SoCalGas provides consultation and technical expertise to help customers and partners develop new NGV refueling facilities. More information on SoCalGas NGV programs and services is available at: https://www.socalgas.com/for-your-business/natural-gas-vehicles.

This new station is made possible by financial support from the California Energy Commission, South Coast Air Quality Management District and Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee. To learn more about these funding partners, visit the CEC at www.energy.ca.gov; the SCAQMD, at www.aqmd.gov; and the MSRC, at www.cleantransportationfunding.org.

About SoCalGas

Southern California Gas Co. 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. Southern California Gas Co. is a regulated subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE)

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SOURCE Southern California Gas Company