Local Businesses Honored As Energy Champions By SDG&E

SAN DIEGO, May 13, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) recognized 10 local business customers today at the 9^th Annual Energy Showcase as Energy Champions for their outstanding results in energy efficiency and conservation.

The following Energy Champion award winners were named:

• Grand Champion (Property Management): Irvine Company
• Hospitality: Hilton San Diego Bayfront
• Biotech: Janssen Research & Development LLC
• Communications: AT&T Services San Diego
• State/Local Government: City of Chula Vista
• Hospitals/Healthcare: Sharp HealthCare
• Manufacturing: General Dynamics NASSCO
• Federal Government: U.S. NAVY
• K-12 Schools: Poway Unified School District
• Higher Learning: California State University San Marcos

Collectively, in 2013 or for the past year, these SDG&E customers have saved more than 33 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity and 500,000 therms of natural gas, the equivalent of taking more than 5,000 cars off the road and enough to power more than 3,500 homes for one year. In addition to their energy-saving efforts, many winners this year also offer electric vehicle charging to their employees and visitors. Videos highlighting the Energy Champion success stories are available at sdge.com/energyshowcase.

"Every year we see our customers continue to set the bar higher for energy savings and conservation, and the customers who have been recognized as Energy Champions this year have set an incredible example for all local businesses to follow," said Caroline Winn, vice president of customer services for SDG&E. "We look forward to continuing to help our business customers find new ways to save energy and money through the many rebates and incentives that are available through SDG&E's energy-efficiency and demand response programs."

Irvine Company was named the 2014 Energy Grand Champion for continuing to raise the bar on its energy- and water-saving efforts every year, setting a higher standard for the commercial real estate sector. In 2013, the company took a remarkable 14 buildings in the San Diego area through LEED certification. This brings its local LEED certifications to 18, including six Silver, 11 Gold and one Platinum. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also named Irvine Company the 2013 ENERGY STAR Leader/Top Performer in Commercial Real Estate in California. From seven electric vehicle charging station installations with plans for expansion, to water conservation efforts that have saved more than 19 million gallons per year, to demand response program participation, along with HVAC system upgrades, LED lighting retrofits and a lighting sensor automation pilot, Irvine Company has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability at every level.

"Our customers pay lower utility costs per square foot," said Richard Dishman, director of engineering, downtown San Diego, Irvine Company Office Properties. "When they're in a higher quality building with lower utility costs, it's a huge benefit to them."

Following the Energy Champions awards breakfast, more than 1,000 people attended the SDG&E Energy Showcase Expo event to learn how to save energy and money with exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge, energy-saving technologies and services. Attendees were able to visit an electric vehicle display, which included oversized commercial vehicles and a ride-and-drive, and learn about SDG&E's program that helps businesses evaluate workplace charging for employees.

Also available to attendees was an Energy Solutions Center where customers had the opportunity to meet with Energy Advisors about new technologies as well as energy and money saving programs for their business. Additionally, TechniArt was available at the event selling LED lights at a discounted rate.

Visit sdge.com/good4biz for more information on ways to save money every day or call the Energy Savings Center at 800-644-6133 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, to talk to an energy service specialist.

SDG&E's energy-efficiency programs are subject to change without notice and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis as long as funding is available. These programs are funded by California utility customers and administered by SDG&E under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission.

SDG&E is a regulated public utility that provides safe and reliable energy service to 3.4 million consumers through 1.4 million electric meters and 861,000 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 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. Connect with SDG&E's Customer Contact Center at 800-411-7343, on Twitter (@SDGE) and Facebook.

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SOURCE San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E)