SAN DIEGO, Dec. 20, 2007– San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) today announced it has launched a competitive bid process for short-term clean, renewable resources for the 2008-12 timeframe to help meet California’s mandate for 20 percent of state utilities’ energy from renewable sources starting in 2010.

        “As part of the region’s balanced long-term resource plan, SDG&E continues to aggressively pursue innovative projects that will generate renewable energy,” said Matt Burkhart, vice president of electric and gas procurement for SDG&E.  “In this round of bidding, SDG&E is seeking shorter-term contracts starting as early as January for clean, green power sources for a maximum of up to five years.  Our standard bidding process for longer-term renewable-resource contracts will take place early in 2008 to help us get even closer to our 2010 goal.”

        Through the bidding process, also known as a “request for offers,” or RFO, SDG&E has solicited energy that comes from solar, wind, geothermal, biomass and any other clean, renewable resource that qualifies under state regulations.  The plants that produce the power can be inside or outside the SDG&E service territory.  Bids are due Jan. 11, 2008.

        The evaluation process for the RFO includes a formal review by SDG&E’s Procurement Review Group, comprised of California Public Utilities Commission staff, consumer advocates and other non-market participants, as well as an independent evaluator.  These entities are involved at all stages of the process, including the preparation of the RFO, bid evaluation and determination of the final “short list” of bidders.  Once the evaluation process is completed, all proposed contracts are subject to Commission review and approval.

        More information about this latest RFO for renewable energy is available at http://www.sdge.com/2007shorttermRPSRFO.

        SDG&E’s efforts to obtain renewable energy will be greatly enhanced by the planned Sunrise Powerlink transmission line.  The Sunrise Powerlink, which is expected to bring as much as 1,000 megawatts of clean, renewable energy to San Diego from the Imperial Valley, is vital to SDG&E’s ability to meet the state’s renewable resources mandate in the most cost-effective manner.  A megawatt is enough energy to power about 650 homes.

        SDG&E is a regulated public utility that provides safe and reliable energy service to 3.4 million consumers through 1.4 million electric meters and more than 800,000 natural gas meters in San Diego and southern Orange counties.  The utility’s area spans 4,100 square miles.  Exceptional customer service is a priority of SDG&E as it seeks to enhance the region’s quality of life.  SDG&E 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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