SAN DIEGO, July 5, 2006 – San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) today announced that new income guidelines, recently released by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), have increased the number of customers eligible to participate in the Energy Team program.  The home energy-savings-improvement service was created to help customers save money on their energy bills. 

        SDG&E’s Energy Team program offers income-qualified renters and homeowners no-cost services such as:  door weather-stripping and caulking to keep unwanted drafts out of the home; ceiling insulation to help the home stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter; low-flow showerheads that can save energy used to heat water; energy-efficient refrigerators to reduce electric use, and other miscellaneous minor home repairs. 

        “As part of our commitment to provide exceptional customer service, we want to help those customers with the greatest need save energy and help keep their families more comfortable year-round by making their home more energy-efficient,” said Michelle Mueller, vice president of customer services.  “Now, more customers can qualify for the home-weatherization services offered at no cost.”

        Last year, more than 11,000 qualified customers received a variety of home-weatherization services through SDG&E’s Energy Team.  Old Town resident Terri Pinnell received a new refrigerator, aluminum weather stripping, a low-flow showerhead and energy-efficient light bulbs.  Pinnell said she couldn’t believe what the Energy Team did for her. 

        “This is a great program “said Pinnell.  “I’m telling everyone I know to call and see if they qualify.  The services and appliances are helping me save a lot of money on my energy bills.”

        The CPUC adjusted the maximum qualifying income levels on June 1, 2006, to reflect changes in the federal poverty guidelines.  Higher income levels mean that more customers may now qualify.

        The new Energy Team income guidelines, based on pre-tax annual income are:

           Number of People
           Per Household         Previous Income Guidelines        New Income Guidelines
                                                                                              (Effective June 1, 2006)

                 1 or 2                         $27,700                                     $28,600

                    3                             $32,500                                     $33,600

                    4                             $39,200                                     $40,500

                    5                             $45,900                                     $47,400

                    6                             $52,600                                     $54,300

                                Add $6,900 for each additional household member
 
        Customers should call SDG&E’s Energy Team’s toll-free number at (866) 597-0597 or visit the Residential Assistance Services section on SDG&E’s Web site to see if they qualify.  Hearing-impaired customers can use the TDD/TTY dedicated number at (877) 889-7343, which is available between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. 

        SDG&E offers a wide variety of residential programs including bill-payment assistance, appliance and home improvement rebates, and energy audits to help customers save money and energy. 

        SDG&E 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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