LOS ANGELES, April 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) today unveiled its newly company-branded, public-access natural gas vehicle (NGV) refueling station in Los Angeles County. Located at the company's operating base at 44416 Division St. in the city of Lancaster, the retail station is open 24 hours a day and features a fast-fill dispenser to serve individual and fleet owners of NGVs, including sedans, vans, pickups, and school buses.

With the average price of natural gas at around $2 per gasoline gallon equivalent (GGE), drivers of natural gas vehicles can achieve annual cost savings up to 50 percent compared to gasoline, in addition to tremendous air quality benefits provided by NGVs.

"We are pleased to offer refueling services under the trusted Southern California Gas Company brand to anyone who wants to take advantage of the economic and environmental benefits of natural gas," said Rodger Schwecke, vice president of customer solutions for SoCalGas. "We consider affordable, abundant, domestically produced natural gas as the energy of possibility and a fuel that can power a clean environment and propel our nation toward energy independence."

The new SoCalGas refueling station features two natural gas dispenser hoses served by a powerful natural gas compressor for improved fill speed and increased reliability. In addition, modern dispensing nozzles can be operated with one hand, while new overhead canopies protect customers from sun and rain. Energy-efficient LED signage enables motorists to compare natural gas fuel prices, and drought-tolerant landscaping adds environmentally friendly appeal.

SoCalGas currently operates 19 CNG refueling stations to serve its own utility fleet of more than 1,000 SoCalGas NGVs, with 11 of these stations open to the general public.

As a pioneer in supporting NGV technology, SoCalGas actively supports the development of the NGV infrastructure, including refueling facilities. SoCalGas has an extensive NGV support program to provide information, education and support to residential and business customers that use, or would benefit from using, clean-burning natural gas as a transportation fuel.

SoCalGas also provides consultation and technical expertise to help clients and partners develop new NGV refueling facilities. More information on SoCalGas NGV programs and services is available at: http://www.socalgas.com/innovation/natural-gas-vehicles.

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. Southern California Gas Co. is a regulated subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE).

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SOURCE Southern California Gas Co.