SAN DIEGO, July 31, 2006 – As much of the United States has sweltered in the recent heat wave and utilities nationwide have struggled to meet heavy energy demand, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) today urged support for a new National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency that could make hot summer weather more bearable, reduce energy bills and provide a wealth of other benefits. 

        “Energy efficiency can help stretch existing supplies to meet summer air- conditioning demand,” said Anne Shen Smith, senior vice president of customer services for SDG&E.  “Also, it helps reduce customer bills and helps preserve the environment.” 

        SDG&E is one of more than 50 organizations across the United States – including utilities, regulators and consumer groups – that have adopted the plan that provides a comprehensive framework to meet the nation’s growing demand for energy.  The plan was released today at the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) summer meeting in San Francisco.

  Among the plan’s recommendations are making energy efficiency a high priority resource; treating energy efficiency like coal, natural gas, and other resources in energy plans; promoting long-term, stable program funding to deliver cost-effective efficiency to consumers; and aligning utility incentives and ratemaking processes to promote investments in efficiency.

       “We can significantly improve our energy supply picture if we all work together through energy efficiency,” Smith said.  “Last year alone, our energy-efficiency programs saved more than 75 megawatts – enough to fuel a small power plant throughout the summer.”

        Smith said SDG&E’s energy-efficiency programs offer more for business customers than ever before.  

        “We have new programs like the Small Business Super Saver program, which will help businesses afford new, energy-efficient equipment that lowers operating costs, enhances comfort and contributes to a cleaner environment,” Smith said.  “We also have extended eligibility for our existing programs to all of our commercial and industrial customers and increased some of our key rebates.”

        For more information on the National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency, visit: www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/eeactionplan.htm.

        San Diego Gas & Electric is a full-service energy utility that currently serves 3.4 million consumers through 1.3 million electric meters and more than 825,000 natural gas meters.  The utility’s service area spans 4,100 square miles and serves customers in more than 125 communities from Southern Orange County to the Mexican border.  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.  To learn more, go to www.sdge.com.

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