LOS ANGELES, September 20, 2013 – Sunshine Café in Cathedral City saved money and helped the environment through energy-efficiency rebates provided by Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas). In addition to a $1,194 rebate check, the desert eatery earned the title Energy-Efficiency Hero for installing three new tankless water heaters that will save approximately 3,200 therms of natural gas per year.

Tankless water heaters only heat water when it is needed for use, unlike conventional water heaters that operate whether or not hot water is needed. They take up a smaller amount of space, and consume less water and energy.

“They reduce our gas bills and they also save lots of space,” said Sunshine Café owner Jay Sherman. “We mounted our units above the floor.”

The Energy-Efficiency Hero awards are a way to recognize small businesses that are working with SoCalGas to purchase and use more environmentally-friendly products and equipment. A different company will be honored monthly from across the service territory, which includes more than 500 communities. More information about the businesses named as Energy-Efficiency Heroes can be found on SoCalGas’ website and on the SoCalGas Facebook page.

“It is a common misconception that reducing the use of natural gas is bad for our business,” said Rodger Schwecke, SoCalGas vice president of Customer Solutions. “In fact, we encourage and find ways to help our customers with their energy conservation efforts, because it supports the overall health of their business and the community.”

SoCalGas offers more than $10 million in energy-efficiency incentives to its business customers. More information about incentives available to businesses from SoCalGas can be found at: socalgas.com/energyefficiency.
 

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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).