LOS ANGELES, Nov. 25, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- While many Southlanders are enjoying a traditional Thanksgiving meal this week in their warm homes, some people -- the elderly, disabled, or newly unemployed -- face financial hardships and are struggling to pay their winter energy bills.
Southern California Gas Co. (The Gas Company) is providing help. For the past 22 years, eligible families who need assistance paying higher winter utility bills may receive help through The Gas Company's Gas Assistance Fund program, which provides assistance of up to $150 on customers' winter natural gas bill. Today, the utility kicked off its annual Gas Assistance Fund drive with a goal of raising $250,000. Donations are matched dollar-for-dollar by corporate funding from The Gas Company.
Last winter, The Gas Company helped nearly 5,000 customers through individual contributions and company matching funds totaling $467,000.
"This fund helps the truly needy stay warm," said, Michelle Mueller, vice president of customer service, The Gas Company. "But more than that, it helps stretch a family's budget for other necessities like food and rent."
From Feb. 8 through April 29, 2005, the United Way of Greater Los Angeles, working with approximately 120 community agencies strategically located throughout central and Southern California, will distribute the Gas Assistance Fund contributions to income-qualified customers. The agencies provide bill-payment assistance to qualified Gas Company customers. Since the Gas Assistance Fund was established in 1982, more than $10 million has been disbursed to families in need.
Gas Company customers may mail their tax-deductible contributions to: United Way, Gas Assistance Fund, File 56826, Los Angeles, CA 90074-6826, or donate online by logging on to www.unitedwayla.org.
To help reduce energy bill costs, The Gas Company recommends that customers implement energy-efficiency measures where practical, including lowering the temperature on the thermostat, replacing furnace filters and increasing home insulation to ensure the most efficient use of gas furnaces. Information on payment options, energy-efficiency program and services and income-qualified assistance can be found online on The Gas Company Web site, www.socalgas.com.
The Gas Company is the nation's largest natural gas distribution utility, providing safe and reliable energy to 19.2 million consumers through 5.4 million meters. The company's service territory encompasses 23,000 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.