LOS ANGELES, April 7, 2017 – Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) today announced that it will begin a pipeline valve enhancement project on a natural gas line in the city of Ontario on April 10. The work will allow the flow of natural gas in the pipeline to be controlled automatically or remotely. These efforts are part of SoCalGas’ Pipeline Safety Enhancement Plan, a multi-billion-dollar program that tests and/or updates the natural gas pipeline infrastructure in Southern California. 

“Ensuring the integrity of our pipeline system is critical to delivering the safe and reliable natural gas service our customers count on,” said Rick Phillips, senior director of SoCalGas’ Pipeline Safety Enhancement Plan. “Replacing the valves on this section of pipeline will enhance the reliability of service for thousands of residential and commercial customers as well as for critical facilities, including several hospitals.”

SoCalGas’ five-year capital plan includes $6 billion in infrastructure investments, including approximately $1.2 billion this year for improvements to distribution, transmission and storage systems and for pipeline safety.

Earlier this year, SoCalGas announced that it will upgrade or replace 50 to 60 pipeline valves in 2017 to further enhance the safety of its system. The upgraded valves will feature the latest technology that allow operators to control the valves from a remote location, or that automatically shut off the valve if a drop in pressure is detected. The new valves will allow gas control operators to respond more quickly if gas flow needs to be shut off in an emergency. 

To download an image of the enhanced pipeline valve, click here.

Work will start at 7 a.m. on April 10 beginning at the intersection of Etiwanda Avenue and Fourth Street in the city of Ontario. Construction will continue for three months, weather and others factors permitting. During the three-month construction project, southbound lanes on Etiwanda Avenue beginning south of the intersection of Etiwanda Avenue and Fourth Street will be reduced by concrete traffic barriers to one lane. In addition, the lane closures will be marked by traffic signs and flagmen will direct traffic, as needed.

Customers are not anticipated to experience any service interruptions. Some residents and local business owners may occasionally smell the odorant in natural gas and may also hear some work-related noise. During work hours, commuters passing by the work site may see excavation, equipment and vehicles. Drivers should adhere to all traffic safety measures while driving past the construction zone, including slowing down and proceeding with caution.

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, seven 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.