LOS ANGELES, May 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) recognized business customers with Energy-Efficiency Excellence Awards and provided information about the more than $10 million available in energy-efficiency incentives during its annual Business Expo, Wednesday, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel and Conference Center in Pomona.

"Working with SoCalGas has been a pleasant and rewarding experience. The synergy and partnership has allowed our company to compete in California and grow our business. We are proud to be a customer of SoCalGas," said Sunshine Plastics President and award winner James Chuang.

The Energy-Efficiency Excellence Awards are given based on the amount of therms of natural gas the businesses saved. In addition to Sunshine Plastics, honorees included: California State Prison—Corcoran, Cottage Health System, Hotel Bel Air, M. Pernecky Management Corp., Rowland Unified School District, Vista Metals Corp. and Windset Farms.

"As a result of the funding provided under the SoCal Gas program, Windset was able to invest in the most state-of-the-art, energy-efficient greenhouse technologies from around the world," said Anthony Martin, CFO of Windset Farms. "The result is that Windset has realized an annual savings of over $1.6 million and saved over three million therms of energy in its first year of operation."

The day began with an economic forecast from Dr. Sung Won Sohn, CSU Channel Islands endowed professor of economics and former senior economic advisor to the White House. The morning session was followed by breakout panels that provide information about customer best practices in energy efficiency, tips for getting energy-efficiency projects approved and an update about AB 32. An exhibit hall allowed attendees to learn about new technologies available to make their businesses more energy efficient.

"We are proud to recognize the energy-efficiency accomplishments of our business customers," said Rodger Schwecke, SoCalGas vice president of Customer Solutions. "The Business Expo provides us with an opportunity to celebrate these successes, while exploring new ways to help businesses be more energy efficient and reach out to more customers."

More information about incentives available to businesses from SoCalGas can be found at: socalgas.com/energyefficiency.

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 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.