LOS ANGELES, Sept. 28, 2006 – Southern California Gas Co. (The Gas Company) earned the highest ranking for customer satisfaction among natural gas utilities in the western United States and the highest score nationwide, according to the latest research by J.D. Power and Associates.  

        The study was based on a random survey of residential natural gas utility customers.

        “Earning top marks in the J.D. Power study reflects the outstanding performance of all our employees in serving our customers’ needs,” said Anne Shen Smith, senior vice president of customer services for The Gas Company.  “We’ve been honored to be ranked at the top among utilities in the West Region four out of the last five years, and this year we have the highest score nationally.  This demonstrates our employees’ commitment to provide safe, reliable and exceptional service on a consistent basis.”
 
        The Gas Company has continued to expand its services to meet changing customer needs and enhance its outreach to all customers throughout its service territory, according to Smith. 

        “Our employees are friendly, helpful and knowledgeable,” Smith said.  “Their professionalism and commitment to excellence translate into treating our customers with care, concern and the utmost respect – all attributes that drive customer satisfaction.”

        In the J.D. Power & Associates study, The Gas Company received a customer-satisfaction score of 704, the highest score among all natural gas utilities, and the highest score among the 10 utilities surveyed in the West region.  The average score for these utilities was 666. 

        The J.D. Power and Associates study ranked 56 of the country’s largest natural gas utilities and interviewed more than 12,000 customers during April and June 2006.  The scores for each utility were based on six factors: company image, price and value, communications, billing and payment, customer service and field service.

        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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