LOS ANGELES, Dec. 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas), today announced it will donate more than $100,000 to assist victims of the four wildfires that continue to destroy homes and property across the region. Sempra Energy, a Fortune 500 energy services holding company that includes San Diego Gas & Electric and SoCalGas, will contribute another $50,000, for a total of more than $150,000 in donations.
SoCalGas and Sempra Energy have pledged $100,000 to the United Way Thomas Fire Fund, a partnership effort with the American Red Cross of Ventura County and the Ventura County Sheriff's Office of Emergency Services. SoCalGas has also pledged donations in support of the following relief funds and organizations:
- Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation
- United Way of Greater Los Angeles' Southern California Wildfire Fund
- Santa Clarita Disaster Coalition
- Ventura County Animal Services
- Ventura County Humane Society and
- Gentle Barn animal shelter in Santa Clarita
"SoCalGas wants to do our part to help our neighbors who have lost so much and are enduring the hardships these fires have dealt," said Lisa Alexander, SoCalGas vice president of customer solutions and communications. "We have thousands of employees who all live in, and are an active part of, the communities that SoCalGas serves—so we are happy to be part of the relief efforts."
"During this overwhelming time, we want our friends and neighbors to know that we stand united with them now more than ever before in our 72-year history serving the people of Ventura County," said Eric Harrison, President and CEO of United Way of Ventura County. "In the days and weeks ahead, we will deploy more than $1 million that has been donated already to the United Way Thomas Fire Fund to those who have experienced devastation and heartache beyond measure."
SoCalGas has more than 350 field representatives working alongside fire fighters in support of public safety and first responders, and in some very localized areas we have isolated our system at individual homes or in neighborhoods impacted by the fires. The company stands ready to quickly restore service to homes directly affected by the fires.
About SoCalGas
Headquartered in Los Angeles, SoCalGas® is the largest natural gas distribution utility in the United States, providing clean, safe, affordable and reliable natural gas service to 21.7 million customers in Central and Southern California. Its service territory spans 22,000 square miles from Fresno to the Mexican border, reaching more than 550 communities through 5.9 million meters and 101,000 miles of pipeline. More than 90 percent of Southern California single-family home residents use natural gas for home heat and hot water. In addition, natural gas plays a key role in providing electricity to Californians—about 60 percent of electric power generated in the state comes from gas-fired power plants.
SoCalGas has served communities in California for 150 years and is committed to being a leader in the region's clean energy future. The company has committed to spending $6 billion over the next five years to modernize and upgrade its gas infrastructure, while also reducing methane emissions. SoCalGas is working to accelerate the use of renewable natural gas, a carbon-neutral or carbon-negative fuel created by capturing and conditioning greenhouse gas emissions from farms, landfills and wastewater treatment plants. The company is a subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), a Fortune 500 energy services holding company based in San Diego. For more information visit socalgas.com/newsroom or connect with SoCalGas on Twitter (@SoCalGas), Instagram (@SoCalGas) and Facebook.
About The United Way of Ventura County
In the aftermath of a disaster, United Way's Ventura County Volunteer Center will serve as an online, call, and walk-in center for spontaneous volunteers. The Volunteer Center will register volunteers and coordinate with the Sheriff's Office of Emergency Services to place them where they can do the most good for the community. 2-1-1 Ventura County will also be available 24/7 to register volunteers, answer questions, and connect those in need with the resources to help them.
www.vcunitedway.org
SOURCE Southern California Gas Company
Melissa Bailey, Office of Media and Public Information, (213) 244-2442, [email protected]