LOS ANGELES, May 9, 2017 – Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) today announced the launch of a new community notification system for its Honor Rancho, La Goleta, and Playa del Rey natural gas storage facilities. The new system allows members of the community to sign up to receive email, text, and telephone notifications if there is a reportable event at one of its storage facilities. The company’s first community notification system was launched in July 2016 at SoCalGas’ Aliso Canyon natural gas storage facility.

“SoCalGas has been applying the experience and knowledge gained from Aliso Canyon to enhance the safety of our other underground storage fields and improve communications with members of the community who live and work near these critical facilities,” said Rodger Schwecke, senior vice president for transmission and storage at SoCalGas and SDG&E. “This communications system was built with feedback from the community and is an example of our commitment to transparency.”

“SoCalGas’ new notification system is a great tool for the community and one that I hope Santa Clarita residents take advantage of,” said Cameron Smyth, mayor of Santa Clarita. “I appreciate all of the steps SoCalGas is taking to enhance safety at Honor Rancho.”

“SoCalGas continues to be responsive and open with us, communicating regularly about various activities,” said Nora MacLellan, a Playa del Rey resident and member of the Playa del Rey Community Advisory Council. “The company is a great neighbor and member of the community.”

“The amount of rules, regulations, details, and teams it takes to provide millions of us with comfortable lives is truly astonishing,” said Pat Caird, a Goleta resident and member of the La Goleta Community Advisory Council. “Once residents actually see the operation, they have a whole new perspective on natural gas.”

Community notifications for the Honor Rancho, La Goleta, and Playa del Rey facilities are the latest safety measure being implemented at each of SoCalGas’ underground natural gas storage fields. Other safety enhancements already underway include:

·       Comprehensive well inspections;

·       Around-the-clock pressure monitoring of all wells;

·       Daily patrols to visually examine every well four times each day;

·       Enhanced training for our employees and contractors.

Members of the community can sign-up to receive notifications via email, text, and/or telephone at socalgas.com/communitynotifications and may choose to opt-out at any time. 

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About Southern California Gas Co.
Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) has been delivering clean, safe, and reliable natural gas to its customers for 150 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.