LOS ANGELES, Oct. 18, 2006 – Southern California Gas Co. (The Gas Company) has expanded its rebate program for energy-efficient food-service equipment by including three new types of equipment, which qualify for rebates of up to $2,000 per unit.

        The program now offers rebates for qualifying models of the following equipment:
            
             Double rack ovens:  $2,000
             Single rack ovens:  $1,000
             Large vat fryers:  $500

        The program also continues to offer rebates on qualifying models of this equipment:

             Combination ovens:  $750
             Pressureless steamers: $750
             High-efficiency fryers: $500
             Convection ovens:  $500
             Griddles:   $125

        Customers making multiple purchases of this equipment can receive rebates of up to $25,000 per account per year.

        To find qualifying equipment models, visit www.socalgas.com  and click on energy efficiency, then on “commercial food service rebates.”

        “The food service rebates encouraged us to move ahead with new energy-efficiency projects,” said Cade Zimmerman, assistant director of engineering at the Hyatt Regency Orange County.  “A few months ago, we received $2,000 in rebates this year for new convection ovens, which will save us at least $500 a year in energy costs.  Then we received another $2,750 in rebates for new water heaters through The Gas Company’s Express Efficiency program.  The savings can really add up.” 

        The Gas Company’s energy-efficiency programs offer rebates on a broad variety of appliances, including boilers, water heaters, steam traps, and pipe and tank insulation. 

        The company also regularly increases the number of appliances that qualify for rebates by testing and verifying the energy efficiency of various models. 

        “We began our food-service rebate program this year with 30 qualifying models, and now we have more than 120,” said Mark Gaines, The Gas Company’s director of customer programs.

        The company has a three-year goal of saving about 58 million natural gas therms, which is enough energy to serve about 107,000 homes for a year.

        Rebates are provided on a first-come, first-served basis until program funds are no longer available.  This program is funded by California utility customers and administered by The Gas Company under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission.  The program may be modified or terminated without prior notice.

        The Gas Company is the nation’s largest natural gas distribution utility, providing safe and reliable energy to 19.8 million consumers through 5.6 million meters.  The company’s service territory encompasses approximately 20,000 square miles in most of central and Southern California.  The Gas Company strives to provide exceptional customer service to enhance the quality of life in the community.  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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