Customers may now qualify to receive a high-efficiency clothes washer as part of the Energy Savings Assistance Program

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) is helping low-income customers reduce their energy use by offering no-cost energy-saving home improvements, including the installation of a high-efficiency clothes washer, to customers who qualify.  It is estimated that 1.8 million customers may be eligible to enroll in the program, but have not yet done so.

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SoCalGas' Energy Saving Assistance Program, formally known as the Direct Assistance Program, includes weatherization services, such as caulking, weather-stripping doors, and the installation of low-flow shower heads and attic insulation.  In addition, the utility will repair or replace – without charge – natural gas furnaces for homeowners who qualify. Since the program began in 1983, SoCalGas has weatherized more than 600,000 limited-income homes.  

The program is open to eligible customers who live in the property they either own or rent.  Renters need the approval of the property owner to participate in the program.  Bonded and licensed contractors who are screened by SoCalGas perform the necessary weatherization work.  

"The Energy Savings Assistance Program helps customers reduce their energy usage and, most importantly, save money on their utility bills," said Hal D. Snyder, vice president of customer solutions at SoCalGas.  "We are always looking for ways to help our customers be more energy efficient and use natural resources more wisely."

Customers may be eligible to participate if they currently receive benefits from the Women, Infants and Children, Healthy Families, Medi-Cal, Food Stamps, Supplemental Security Income, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or Low Income Home Energy Assistance programs.  In addition, customers could also qualify for a 20-percent discount on their natural gas bill through the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program.

Customers can learn more about the Energy Savings Assistance Program by visiting SoCalGas' website, socalgas.com/assistance, or call toll-free (800) 427-2200 or (800) 342-4545 in Spanish.  To learn how to conserve energy at home, customers can visit socalgas.com/energyefficiency.

Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) has been delivering clean, safe and reliable natural gas to its customers for more than 140 years.  It is the nation's largest natural gas distribution utility, providing safe and reliable energy to 20.9 million consumers through nearly 5.8 million meters in more than 500 communities.  The company's service territory encompasses approximately 20,000 square miles throughout Central and Southern California, from Visalia to the Mexican border.  SoCalGas is a regulated subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE).

SOURCE Southern California Gas Company

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