SAN DIEGO, Feb. 13, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Sempra U.S. Gas & Power, a unit of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE) and the parent company of Willmut Gas Co., announced today that it is donating $100,000 to the South Mississippi Chapter of the American Red Cross and local schools to assist victims of last week's tornado.

The contribution also will include a donation-matching program of up to $50,000 by the Sempra Energy Foundation to support the Sempra Energy companies' employee-giving efforts.

Based in Hattiesburg, Willmut Gas Co. is a natural gas utility that serves more than 21,000 Mississippi customers. 

"Greater Hattiesburg is a special place and home to our customers and many of our employees," said Michael P. Gallagher, regional president of Sempra U.S. Gas & Power.  "As Mississippi recovers from these severe storms, we hope these funds can help families, and our local public schools, which were hit the hardest, begin the rebuilding process.   I am proud of the men and women of Willmut Gas who worked around the clock to ensure that we are able to serve our customers safely in the aftermath of these storms."

"We are pleased to report 100 percent of our distribution system remains functional in the aftermath of Sunday's storm," said Karl H. Ficken, president of Willmut Gas.  "While some customers may lack gas service due to property damage, Willmut stands ready to assist in recovery efforts.  We are very pleased Sempra U.S. Gas & Power and the Sempra Energy Foundation have stepped forward to assist our community in such a significant manner." 

Sempra U.S. Gas & Power acquired Willmut Gas Co. in 2012.  Willmut Gas has been providing natural gas to the Hattiesburg, Miss., area since 1934. 

Sempra U.S. Gas & Power, LLC is a leading developer of renewable energy and natural gas solutions.  The company operates solar, wind and natural gas power plants that generate enough electricity for nearly 1 million homes, along with natural gas storage, pipelines and distribution utilities. For more information, visit www.SempraUSGP.com.

The Sempra Energy Foundation is the 501(c)(3) private foundation of Sempra Energy, a Fortune 500 energy services holding company with 2011 revenues of $10 billion.  The Sempra Energy companies' nearly 17,000 employees serve about 31 million consumers worldwide. 

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SOURCE Sempra U.S. Gas & Power