SAN DIEGO, Sept. 14, 2011 – As part of its Environmental Champions Initiative, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) will contribute $800,000 to non-profit organizations with an environmental focus.

SDG&E is challenging non-profits to develop programs that involve and educate young people in the community as stewards of the environment. The utility is fostering environmental education programs that enhance understanding and awareness of the ecosystem, environmental conservation, and energy and water efficiency.

Winning organizations can receive up to $25,000 for individual projects and up to $50,000 if they collaborate with another environmental non-profit. This initiative is extended to any environmental program administered in SDG&E’s territory.

“There are a number of non-profit organizations in the San Diego region committed to environmental education,” said Frank Urtasun, regional vice president of external affairs for SDG&E. “We’re proud to play a part in helping these groups to carry out their mission.”

Non-profit organizations with a primary focus on environmental stewardship and conservation, and those with substantial experience developing environmental education programs can submit their applications until October 4.  

Preference will be given to environmental programs that target one or more of the following areas: natural resource conservation and protection, habitat preservation and restoration, and waste/recycling.

SDG&E will announce the winners by November 1.

More than 80 non-profit organizations have received grants as part of the Environmental Champions initiative, which was originally developed and administered by the Sempra Energy Foundation.
  
SDG&E is a regulated public utility that provides safe and reliable energy service to 3.5 million consumers through 1.4 million electric meters and more than 850,000 natural gas meters in San Diego and southern Orange counties. The utility’s area spans 4,100 square miles.  SDG&E is committed to creating ways to help our customers save energy and money every day. SDG&E is a subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), a Fortune 500 energy services holding company based in San Diego.