SoCalGas Continues Pipeline Safety Work in West Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, April 21, 2017 – Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) today announced that on April 25 work will begin to replace approximately 5,000 feet of natural gas pipeline on Sepulveda Boulevard between Cashmere Street and Casiano Road, near the campus of University of California, Los Angeles, in West Los Angeles. This effort is part of SoCalGas’ Pipeline Safety Enhancement Plan, a multi-billion-dollar program that tests and/or updates the natural gas pipeline infrastructure in Southern California.   

“Ensuring the integrity of our pipeline system is critical to delivering the safe and reliable natural gas service our customers count on,” said Rick Phillips, senior director of SoCalGas’ Pipeline Safety Enhancement Plan. “More than 95 percent of homes use natural gas for heating, hot water and cooking, and more than 60 percent of all our electricity is generated using this clean form of energy. Upgrading this section of pipeline will enhance the reliability of service for thousands of residential and commercial customers in West Los Angeles.” 

SoCalGas’ five-year capital plan includes $6 billion in infrastructure investments, including approximately $1.2 billion this year for improvements to distribution, transmission and storage systems and for pipeline safety. 

Since SoCalGas launched the PSEP program in 2013, integrity strength tests have been performed on 81 miles of pipeline. In addition, 77 miles have been upgraded and/or replaced. The current phase of PSEP calls for SoCalGas to test or replace about 210 miles of transmission pipelines in populated areas. 

As part of this project, SoCalGas crews will release a controlled amount of natural gas between 1 and 5 a.m. on April 25 at Bel Air Crest Road and Sepulveda Boulevard. During the work, one northbound lane at Casiano Road and Sepulveda Boulevard will be closed and one southbound lane at Cashmere Street and Sepulveda Boulevard will be closed. The lane closures will be marked by traffic signs and flagmen will direct traffic, as needed.  

Customers are not anticipated to experience any service interruptions during construction. Some residents and local business owners may occasionally smell the odorant in natural gas and may also hear some work-related noise. During work hours, commuters passing by the work site may see excavation, equipment and vehicles. Drivers should adhere to all traffic safety measures while driving past the construction zone, including slowing down and proceeding with caution. 

SoCalGas’ highest priority is the safety of its employees, customers and the communities it serves. Reflecting that commitment to safety, SoCalGas constructs, operates and maintains its pipeline system to meet or exceed all applicable federal and state regulations and requirements. Residents with questions may contact SoCalGas’ call center at 1-800-427-2200. The call center is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  

About Southern California Gas Co.

Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) has been delivering clean, safe and reliable natural gas to its customers for 150 years. It is the nation’s largest natural gas distribution utility, providing service to 21.6 million consumers connected through 5.9 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), a Fortune 500 energy services holding company based in San Diego.