LOS ANGELES, September 18, 2013 – Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) is presenting a series of no-cost informational workshops throughout Southern California about solar water heating technology and the rebates available through the California Solar Initiative (CSI) - Thermal Program for qualifying systems in single-family residences and commercial and industrial establishments.

Experts from SoCalGas will be available during the 2013 U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon and XPO to provide information about solar water heating rebates available for businesses and single-family homeowners. A seminar about solar water heating technology for homes and businesses will be held at 3 p.m., Sunday, October 6 at Great Park, Irvine, Calif.

Companies that consume hot water in their business operations for eligible end uses like laundry, dishwashing, cleaning and sanitation are eligible for rebates. Businesses that qualify for the program include, but are not limited to: commercial laundries, laundromats, gyms, hotels and motels, restaurants, agricultural processes, food processors, hospitals, convalescent homes and car washes.

A solar water heating system captures the warmth of the sun to heat water and works with a conventional water heater to help it use less energy.

Unlike solar power systems (photovoltaics or “PV”) that collect light energy (photons) from the sun and convert it into electricity, solar water heating systems absorb the heat energy of the sun and use it to heat water.  Since it involves heat energy the technology is referred to as solar thermal.

Attendees can register for the workshop in advance or learn more about the CSI-Thermal Program by visiting socalgas.com/solar.

The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon and XPO features college teams from around the world competing to build the most affordable, energy-efficient and attractive solar-powered home. The homes will be on display during the conference, October 3-6 and October 10-12.

These informational workshops are not the contractor/installer trainings that are required to be listed as an eligible contractor in the CSI-Thermal Program.

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About the California Solar Initiative – Thermal Program

The California Solar Initiative (CSI)-Thermal Program is funded by California investor-owned utility customers and is administered by regional Program Administrators under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission. CSI-Thermal is part of the overarching “Go Solar California” campaign which is a joint effort of the California Energy Commission and the California Public Utilities Commission.

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).