LOS ANGELES, January 31, 2017 – Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) today announced that it will begin safety testing work this week on a natural gas transmission line in Palm Springs. SoCalGas crews will conduct hydrostatic pressure tests, as well as controlled releases of natural gas from pipelines. These efforts are part of SoCalGas’ Pipeline Safety Enhancement Plan (PSEP), a multi-billion-dollar program that tests and updates the natural gas pipeline infrastructure in Southern California. 

While natural gas odors are not expected to be particularly noticeable, some residents may occasionally smell natural gas and may also hear some work-related noise. Customers will not experience any service interruptions. No road closures are expected. 

As part of the construction work, crews will perform a hydrostatic test, which entails filling the pipe with water, pressurizing it and then monitoring the pipeline for several hours to verify its ability to operate at a safe level of pressure. SoCalGas crews will construct a water tank on Indian Canyon Drive and Garnet Avenue in Palm Springs, while they continue the project.

Local government agencies and the community have been notified of the controlled releases of natural gas. SoCalGas may extend work hours should unforeseen circumstances arise. The work will be conducted at four different locations:

·       Mihalyo Road west of Palm Drive;

·       Mihalyo Road east of Palm Drive;

·       Rio Del Sol Road north of Watt Court; and,

·       Landfill Road north of the Coachella Valley Compost facility.

SoCalGas’ highest priority is the safety of its employees, customers and the communities it serves. Reflecting that commitment to safety, SoCalGas constructs, operates and maintains its pipeline system to meet or exceed all applicable federal and state regulations and requirements.

Residents with questions may contact SoCalGas’ call center at 1-800-427-2200. The call center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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 145 years. It is the nation’s largest natural gas distribution utility, providing service to 21.6 million consumers connected through 5.9 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), a Fortune 500 energy services holding company based in San Diego.

###