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SDG&E Offers Energy-Savings Rebates

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 26, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- After this year began with a series of rain- drenching winter storms in Southern California, weather experts predict a return to less precipitation, but colder weather patterns for the coming weeks or more. January's cold and wet weather has meant increased use of home furnaces to stay warm and dry. That usage and the nationwide increase in natural gas prices, says San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), means higher natural gas bills for most customers.

Home furnace use accounts for more than half of a typical residential customer's winter bill, so managing furnace use is imperative to keeping heating costs down. "It costs about $1 per hour to run the furnace, which can add up over many hours, days, weeks and months," said Michelle Mueller, vice president of customer service for SDG&E.

As customers use their heaters to fight the lower temperatures, SDG&E wants to remind eligible customers about rebates of up to $200 for purchase and installation of qualified new energy-efficient appliances or home improvement products that can help customers lower monthly energy bills.

Now, SDG&E is offering qualified customers rebates of $10 to $200 or more, if they purchase new energy-efficient appliances or home-improvement products.

SDG&E offers rebates for selected appliances and upgrades that can help customers lower future monthly energy bills to save money now and keep saving later.

2005 Rebates for qualifying home energy-efficiency measures:

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 PRODUCT                                              REBATE
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 Wall or attic insulation                             15 cents/sq. ft.
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 Energy Star-qualified natural gas furnace            $200/unit
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 Natural gas storage water heater                     $30/unit
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 Energy Star-qualified programmable thermostat        $20/unit
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 Energy Star dishwasher                               $30/unit
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 Energy Star clothes washer (Tier I)                  $35/unit
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 High Efficient clothes washer (Tier II)              $75/unit
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The rebates are available on a first-come, first-served basis through the end of the year, or until funds are depleted.

Before buying qualifying products, customers are encouraged to verify rebate availability by calling SDG&E toll-free at (800) 644-6133.

With natural gas costs remaining high nationwide due to cold weather, tight supplies and increased demand, typical residential customers of SDG&E can expect their overall monthly energy bill (50 therms of gas usage and 500 kWh of electricity usage) to increase to $134 this winter, compared with $122 last winter, Mueller added.

SDG&E offers customers these helpful tips to manage their winter gas bills:

 -- Focus on the furnace.  Lower the furnace thermostat 3 degrees 
    to 5 degrees (health permitting).  Turn it off when not at 
    home.  Check furnace filters every month during the heating 
    season and clean or replace the filter when necessary.  When 
    installing a new or cleaned filter, be sure to re-install the 
    front panel door of the furnace properly so it fits snugly.  
    And, never operate the furnace without the front-panel door 
    properly in place because doing so may create the risk of 
    carbon monoxide poisoning.  Install a programmable thermostat 
    and consider adding another blanket or two at night to stay warm.
 -- Sign up for a home energy-efficiency analysis.  This free home 
    energy survey is available online or by mail and can help 
    customers learn where their home is using the most energy.  SDG&E 
    responds with a report with specific recommendations for more 
    efficient use of energy.  In-home audits are available for a 
    limited basis. 
 -- Sign up for energy assistance.  The California Alternate Rate for 
    Energy (CARE) Program provides a 20-percent discounted rate to 
    income-qualified customers.  

In addition, customers can find more tips and program information, including a rebate application online at www.sdge.com.

SDG&E is a regulated public utility that provides safe and reliable energy service to 3.2 million consumers through 1.3 million electric meters and more than 800,000 natural gas meters. The company's service territory encompasses 4,100 square miles in San Diego and southern Orange counties. Exceptional customer service is a priority of SDG&E as it seeks to enhance the region's quality of life. SDG&E is a regulated subsidiary of Sempra Energy . Sempra Energy, based in San Diego, is a Fortune 500 energy services holding company.

CONTACT:  San Diego Gas & Electric
          Anne Silva
          (877) 866-2066
          www.sdge.com