LOS ANGELES, May 19, 2009 – Southern California Gas Co. (The Gas Company) announced today that more than $20 million in rebates and incentives are available this year to business customers for qualifying energy-efficiency projects—the largest pool of incentive money in the utility’s history.

        The Gas Company shared the good news with more than 300 business representatives who gathered for its 4th Annual Energy-Efficiency Expo in Downey, Calif.

        “The higher funding levels will benefit the environment and also help businesses weather the current weak economy,” said Mark Gaines, director of customer programs for The Gas Company.  “We’re helping to pay for many energy-saving projects with low up-front costs and fast paybacks, which can improve profitability for participating customers in a relatively short time.”

        The event featured a panel of customers who have taken advantage of the company’s energy rebates, incentives, free on-site energy-efficiency assessments and zero-interest financing programs.

        “I saved about $20,000 last year on energy costs and I didn’t spend a dime to do it,” said one of the panelists, Yusheng Xu, president of Tri J Heat Treating Co. in Pomona.  Xu rearranged his work process to make better use of his most efficient furnaces, which The Gas Company identified during an on-site assessment.

        “The Gas Company offered to help finance my new energy-efficient furnaces through a $50,000 loan with no interest, no points and no fees,” said another panelist, Jeff Mueller of American Die Casting in Fontana.  “It was a no-brainer.” 

        For more information, business owners and representative can contact The Gas Company at (800) GAS-2000, or visit socalgas.com/energyefficiency.

        The Gas Company’s energy-efficiency programs are subject to change without notice and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis as long as funding is available.  These programs are funded by California utility customers and administered by The Gas Company under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission.

        The minimum loan amount available per meter is $5,000.  Maximum loan amounts are $250,000 and $100,000 for taxpayer-funded institutional customers and non-institutional customers, respectively.  Other terms and conditions apply.

        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 safe and reliable energy to 20.5 million consumers through 5.7 million meters in more than 500 communities.  The company’s service territory encompasses approximately 20,000 square miles in diverse terrain throughout Central and Southern California, from Visalia to the Mexican border.  The Gas Company is a regulated subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE).  Sempra Energy, based in San Diego, is a Fortune 500 energy services holding company.  

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