LOS ANGELES, June 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) received an "A" rating on The Greenlining Institute's 2013 Supplier Diversity Report Card [PDF], earning the "top spot" energy utility industry leader for its work to increase contract spending with minority-, women- and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses.

"We are extremely pleased to be acknowledged by The Greenlining Institute for our efforts and results. These achievements do not represent only statistics on a report, they represent jobs, companies and families that live and work in the communities we serve," said Dennis Arriola, president and COO of SoCalGas.

Last year, 2012, was an exceptional year for SoCalGas in spending with Diverse Business Enterprises (DBE) or diverse suppliers. SoCalGas purchased more than $348 million worth of products and services from DBE companies. This represents 41.9 percent of total purchases, surpassing the California Public Utility Commission's DBE spending goal of 21.5 percent.  

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. Both SDG&E and SoCalGas are subsidiaries of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), a Fortune 500 energy services holding company based in San Diego.  

About The Greenlining Institute

The Greenlining Institute is a national policy, organizing, and leadership institute working for racial and economic justice. The organization's mission is to empower communities of color and other disadvantaged groups through multi-ethnic economic and leadership development, civil rights, and anti-redlining activities.

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SOURCE Southern California Gas Co.