LOS ANGELES, Jan. 28, 2008 – As part of its ongoing effort to promote energy efficiency, The Gas Company is the title sponsor of the day-long “Focus the Nation: Global Warming Solutions for America” symposium on Thursday, Jan. 31, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the College of the Canyons, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road in Santa Clarita, Calif.

        Billed as a “national teach-in,” the Focus the Nation event is a network of simultaneous climate-change awareness forums being held on the same day at more than 1,100 colleges and universities across the United States.  Several hundred high schools, faith organizations and civic groups nationwide also will participate.

        “Californians can be proud of our role as leaders in promoting energy efficiency and clean energy technologies such as renewable energy and natural gas,” said Anne Shen Smith, The Gas Company’s senior vice president of customer services.  “The Gas Company is committed to environmental responsibility, and we’re proud to be part of this effort to raise awareness of how all of us — businesses and individuals — can work toward a greener future.”

        J. William Ichord, vice president of government relations for Sempra Energy, The Gas Company’s corporate parent, is scheduled to speak at the conference on the role of energy efficiency in addressing climate change.

        The Gas Company has been a leader among California’s utilities in helping its customers to reduce their energy consumption by offering incentives on energy-saving equipment and other measures.

        For information on The Gas Company’s energy-efficiency programs, visit www.socalgas.com/energyefficiency or call (800) GAS-2000. 

        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 20.1 million consumers through 5.6 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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