LOS ANGELES, Jan. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) today launched its annual winter assistance campaign, the Gas Assistance Fund, which provides a one-time grant in the amount of the bill, up to $100, for low-income families.  The program is funded by the generous contributions from customers, employees, and shareholders.

"The Gas Assistance Fund helps our customers in need with their heating bills during the winter season when home heating is used the most," said Hal D. Snyder, vice president of customer solutions for SoCalGas.  "But, more importantly, this critical program can help alleviate strain on a family's budget during these tough economic times."

Sempra Energy, SoCalGas' parent company, will match dollar-for-dollar contributions that customers and utility employees donate to the Gas Assistance Fund, up to a total of $250,000.  The assistance funds are made available through participating United Way of Greater Los Angeles agencies.

For nearly three decades, the Gas Assistance Fund has helped over 186,000 disadvantaged southern California residents pay their winter natural gas bills through the disbursement of more than $14.5 million.

In anticipation of a greater need for assistance, SoCalGas launched the Gas Assistance Fund a month early this year.  The program typically runs from February through May -- or until the funds are depleted -- but the program is starting in January this year.  The United Way of Greater Los Angeles, working with approximately 100 community agencies strategically located throughout central and southern California, will distribute the Gas Assistance Fund contributions to income-qualified customers.  For participating agencies, customers are asked to call 2-1-1.

Anyone, including customers, can help by making a voluntary tax-deductible contribution by visiting SoCalGas' website, socalgas.com/donate, or mail it to: United Way of Greater Los Angeles, Gas Assistance Fund, File 56826, Los Angeles, CA  90074-6826.

In addition to the Gas Assistance Fund, SoCalGas offers other bill-assistance programs and services that can help customers manage their home energy costs during the winter months.  More information on this and other programs are available by visiting socalgas.com/assistance.

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 140 years.  It is the nation's largest natural gas distribution utility, providing service to 20.9 million consumers connected through nearly 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.  SoCalGas is a regulated subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE).

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SOURCE Southern California Gas Co.