LOS ANGELES, Aug. 25, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Southern California Gas Company (The Gas Company) is offering the opportunity for prospective vendors and business interests to create and implement new and innovative energy-efficiency programs.
The utility is seeking bids for cost-effective energy-efficiency program proposals directed to small-business and residential customers. Winning bidders will receive some of the $35 million in funding available over three years to develop and implement their programs.
"Helping our customers manage their energy use is critical," said Patti Wagner, director of customer programs for The Gas Company. "We want to enhance our portfolio of energy programs with additional fresh and diverse approaches to reducing natural gas usage."
Prospective bidders can submit proposals for any of the 14 energy-efficiency programs under broad categories such as energy education, green design, equipment exchange, and process-improvement programs. Each program is intended to consider a variety of natural gas energy-efficiency marketing or delivery methods, targeting market segments within The Gas Company service territory.
The Gas Company filed with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) a proposal for a portfolio of energy-efficiency programs for 2006 through 2008. These programs support The Gas Company's energy-efficiency goals by first implementing all cost-effective initiatives designed to reduce overall demand for natural gas. The programs currently are pending CPUC approval, expected in late September 2005.
To determine its portfolio of programs, The Gas Company worked collaboratively with a Program Advisory Group, comprised of large-business customers, community leaders and individuals who provided feedback during public meetings. Getting public input was a new requirement included in a recent CPUC decision that put the utilities back in the role of administering energy-efficiency programs. At least 20 percent of the programs will be put out for competitive bid to be implemented by third parties.
To participate in the competitive bid process, interested parties can find information online at www.socalgas.com/eecontracting. The first round of proposal submittals will be due Sept. 20, 2005, with contracts completed and implementation by January 2006.
The Gas Company is the nation's largest natural gas distribution utility, providing safe and reliable energy to 19.5 million consumers through 5.5 million meters. The company's service territory encompasses approximately 20,000 square miles in most of central and Southern California. The Gas Company strives to provide exceptional customer service to enhance the quality of life in the community. The Gas Company 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.socalgas.com.