Sempra Energy releases first corporate responsibility report
Innovative solar power development, energy-efficiency savings highlight 2008 efforts

Media Contact:
Hanan Eisenman

Sempra Energy

(877) 866-2066

www.sempra.com

 

        SAN DIEGO, Aug. 14, 2009 – Sempra Energy today released its first corporate responsibility report, which outlines the company’s 2008 performance and initiatives on a range of sustainability-related issues, such as environmental stewardship, employee development, diversity and philanthropy.     
 
        This report, entitled “Powering the Every Day,” details several milestones, including the contribution of more than $16 million to nonprofit organizations and families in need; the development of the largest thin-film solar power facility in North America; and savings of approximately $1.1 billion for California utility customers through energy-efficiency programs over the past two decades.
 
        “One of our core values is to be a responsible partner in the communities we serve,” said Donald E. Felsinger, chairman and chief executive officer of Sempra Energy.  “This report is an important step forward in chronicling our progress in developing sustainable energy programs, extending charitable giving and promoting ethical behavior.”

        Among the report’s notable findings:

        • Groundbreaking energy-efficiency programs:  Since 1990, Sempra Energy’s utilities – San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) and Southern California Gas (SoCalGas) – have helped customers save enough natural gas to supply more than 800,000 homes and electricity to power nearly 600,000 homes for one year.  The utilities’ energy-efficiency programs also have reduced peak electricity demand by more than 800 megawatts, the equivalent of the production of two large power plants.

        • New renewable energy measures:  Sempra Generation set a goal to become the first U.S. company to own and operate 500 megawatts of solar power.  SDG&E voluntarily committed to acquiring 33 percent of its power from renewable energy sources by 2020, in line with goals proposed by Calif. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

        • Lower power plant emissions:  Sempra Energy companies have reduced their power plant carbon-dioxide emissions rate 33 percent since 2005 to a level that is now 45 percent below the national average.
 
        • Expanded alternative-fuel vehicle fleet:  Sempra Energy added 40 new compressed natural gas vehicles and 60 electric-hybrids to its fleet of 1,150 alternative-fuel vehicles.

        • Giving back to the community:  In 2008, Sempra Energy exceeded its goal of contributing 1 percent of pre-tax operating income to worthy causes within local communities.

        Sempra Energy’s 2008 corporate responsibility report is available in its entirety online at:  www.sempra.com/cr

        Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), based in San Diego, is a Fortune 500 energy services holding company with 2008 revenues of nearly $11 billion.  The Sempra Energy companies’ 13,600 employees serve more than 29 million consumers worldwide.

###