Southern California Gas company offers benefits to low-income customers
Many have not applied for the services
Southern California Gas Co. customers may qualify to receive a high-efficiency clothes washer as part of its Energy Savings Assistance Program.
The purpose is to help low-income customers reduce their energy use by offering no-cost, energy-saving home improvements, including the installation of the 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.
SoCalGas’ Energy Saving Assistance Program also offers 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 natural gas furnaces—free—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 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 (SSI), 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 calling 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.
LOS ANGELES, Calif.—In the wake of the powerful earthquake that struck Japan, Southern California Gas Co. today reminded customers that advance preparation is critical in getting ready for the next major temblor in the Southland.
The utility offered a series of preparedness tips to help reduce the chance of injuries or property damage from a quake. Before an earthquake:
Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) has announced that Denita Willoughby has been named regional vice president of external affairs for the company.
“We are pleased to welcome Denita to our management team at SoCalGas,” said Dennis V. Arriola, president and chief operating officer of SoCalGas. “She has extensive governmental and community affairs experience and is well known for her leadership in the greater Los Angeles community.”
LOS ANGELES, Calif.—Southern California Gas Co. announced today it plans to add about 1,000 new natural gas-powered trucks over the next five years as part of the utility’s “green” fleet replacement program.
The utility will purchase new natural gas-powered trucks from original equipment manufacturers as well as custom-built natural gas vehicles through a collaborative effort with local Southern California companies. Currently, SoCalGas has about 1,000 natural gas vehicles in its fleet.
LOS ANGELES, Calif.—Southern California Gas Co. clients were urged today to use common sense when heating their homes this winter.
“With the cold and wet weather, we’re seeing an increase in the use of home heaters, and that translates into higher heating bills,” said Bret Lane, vice president of field services for SoCal Gas.
“To help keep a lid on heating costs while staying warm and dry this winter, we encourage customers to continue to practice conservation and use energy efficiently.”
Southern California Gas Co. is reminding customers to call 811 before they dig, whether in the garden or at construction sites. Calling 811 or Underground Service Alert may help them avoid possible injury or damage to hidden gas lines or service interruption, the utility says.
Even such “minor projects” as putting up a new wall or fence, building a deck, planting or removing large trees or any other renovations can result in damage to gas lines if they aren’t located prior to the work.
