SAN DIEGO, July 1, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) today issued a request for offers (RFO) to increase its growing portfolio of energy derived from renewable resources, including wind, solar and geothermal.
"SDG&E is ahead of the state's annual schedule for buying renewable energy for our customers," said James Avery, senior vice president, electric, SDG&E. "Since moving back into the planning role for our customers in 2003, SDG&E has been pursuing a balanced and diversified mix of energy resources, with renewable sources playing an increasingly prominent role. This RFO should provide us with expanded opportunities."
SDG&E is attempting to exceed the state's target of supplying 20 percent of its customers' energy from renewable resources by 2010, rather than by 2017. Currently, SDG&E has contracts to supply approximately 6 percent by 2010.
The RFO, which calls for potential suppliers to submit their proposals by Aug. 12, 2004, asks bidders to detail how much power they will be able to provide, when and for how many years. Potential bidders are offered several options, including selling power directly to SDG&E, with or without a buyout option; and building a complete renewables generation plant for sale to SDG&E.
Suppliers have the option of bidding to supply their resources beginning in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, or 2010.
SDG&E will give preference to energy generated within its service territory, but the RFO also makes provisions for purchase of renewable energy from elsewhere for delivery to San Diego over transmission lines.
SDG&E is a regulated public utility that provides safe and reliable energy service to three million consumers through 1.3 million electric meters and more than 800,000 natural gas meters in San Diego and southern Orange counties. 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.