SAN DIEGO, Jan. 31, 2006 – San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) today announced its customers would receive approximately $21 million from energy company Reliant for issues related to the California energy crisis of 2000-01.  SDG&E also expects to receive an additional $20 million from Reliant at a later date.
 
        During 2000-01, San Diegans were the first to feel the impact as electricity prices climbed sharply.  California natural gas and electricity customers have since received several refunds as a result of state and federal investigations into the causes of the energy crisis.

        SDG&E was the first to file a complaint with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in 2000, claiming that rates were unreasonable during the energy crisis.  Since then, SDG&E’s customers have received refund allocations of more than $165 million.

        SDG&E is a regulated public utility that provides safe and reliable energy service to 3.3 million consumers through 1.3 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.  To learn more, go to www.sdge.com.

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