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Sempra’s vision to deliver energy with purpose comes in many forms — in 2023, the vision was delivered with millions of dollars in donations and tens of thousands of hours in volunteer time, including cleaning beaches, renovating school buildings and organizing schoolwork for teachers. At Sempra, to deliver energy with purpose means to invest in the communities we serve in multiple ways.

The charitable work of Sempra’s dedicated employees is supported by the Sempra Foundation — a private foundation funded solely by Sempra — with a mission to build a more equitable and vibrant future for all. To that end, the Sempra Foundation funds the internal “My Energy” program where employees may request their charitable donations be matched by the Foundation. In addition, employees who volunteer with a nonprofit can request that their volunteer hours be matched with a monetary donation.

“The Sempra Foundation is proud to champion people by supporting the causes that matter most to them,” Lisa Larroque Alexander, chair of the Sempra Foundation’s board of directors, said. “This is the perfect example of purpose-driven work.”

Here’s a snapshot of the charitable efforts of Sempra’s employees and the Sempra Foundation:

By the numbers

In 2023, employees’ donations along with matches from the Sempra Foundation resulted in nearly $7 million in total donations. Employees logged nearly 40,000 volunteer hours last year and saw their volunteer efforts amplify with nearly $330,000 in donations from the Sempra Foundation.

The giving numbers recorded in 2023 were an increase from 2022 when Sempra employees and the Sempra Foundation donated nearly $5 million and employees contributed nearly 32,000 volunteer hours.

By the impact

Employees supported more than 2,700 nonprofit organizations around the world. The top five causes focused on the following:

• Health and human services
• Education
• Civic and community efforts
• Emergency and safety
• Arts and culture

Among the organizations that received support from employees across the Sempra family of companies and the Sempra Foundation are:

• World Central Kitchen
• American Red Cross
• Monarch School
• Hawaii Community Foundation
• Coalition for Clean Air
• I Love A Clean San Diego County
• Ballet Folklorico de Riverside
• Houston Symphony Society
• The Trevor Project
• Wounded Warrior Project
• Black Girls Code
• Native American Rights Fund

In addition to these efforts, Sempra and the Sempra Foundation hosted three Charitable Spirit Weeks in 2023 where employees could volunteer and donate to causes related to Earth Week, Back-to-School initiatives and holiday giving. To learn more about the Sempra Foundation, visit semprafoundation.org.

To learn more about Sempra’s culture and career opportunities, visit our careers page.

Sempra understands that by creating the right opportunities for employees who power its high-performance culture, the company can promote its mission to become North America’s premier energy infrastructure company, while advancing a better future for all.

It’s why Sempra companies invest in Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), including the Women’s Network at Sempra, whose members represent nearly half of corporate employees. The employee-led voluntary community aims to contribute to an inclusive environment that inspires, supports and encourages women to grow and advance their skills through connection, collaboration and discussion.

“The Women’s Network at Sempra focuses on creating opportunities for women and allies to build relationships and make connections with others,” Saramay Zook, the organizational development manager at Sempra and president of the ERG, said. “We believe that by building relationships, we create a vibrant tapestry of support, mentorship and shared experiences and cultivate space where people feel like they truly belong and that they can thrive.”

Women’s ERGs can be especially meaningful in the energy industry where, in 2019, women only accounted for 16% of employees despite making up 39% of the global workforce, according to the International Energy Agency. For 25 years, Sempra has worked to create an environment where women can thrive. Across the entire Sempra family of companies, the company reported 28% of employees were women and 34% of the leadership team were women in 2022.¹

Simone Ochoa, cybersecurity team lead at Sempra and member of the Women’s Network at Sempra, said she joined the group to meet other women in the industry.

“It is important to feel like you belong,” Ochoa said. “The Women’s Network at Sempra provides a way to connect with other women and know that you have a support system.”

But an employee does not have to identify as a woman to join the group — in fact, it’s encouraged to join the Women’s Network at Sempra, or any of the company’s ERGs resource groups, because allyships play an important role in building opportunities across the company and industry. The group welcomes employees of all backgrounds.

“I benefit from our group because of the diversity of the team, but what I found more surprising is what I learned about myself,” Ochoa said. “I realized that I was not alone. We all have challenges and successes. It is great to share these experiences through the Women’s Network at Sempra.”

Stacey Lee, senior manager of corporate ESG data controls within the company’s sustainability team, echoed Ochoa’s sentiments — noting that shared experiences offer growth opportunities.

“The challenges we encounter both personally and professionally often resonate with others within a group such as the Women’s Network at Sempra,” Lee said. “By sharing our experiences and learning from one another, we create a supportive community where empathy and understanding thrive.”

The Women’s Network at Sempra and other ERGs are a part of the company’s larger strategy to cultivate a high-performance culture — one that is motivated, inclusive and engaged. Other women’s ERGs across the family of companies include RISE at SoCalGas, Lean In at San Diego Gas & Electric and GROW at Sempra Infrastructure. By fostering a high-performance culture where ideas and solutions are embraced and deployed, the company can offer a competitive advantage and help create opportunities for all.

“We are proud of the community that we have created in the Sempra Women’s Network,” Zook said. “Since our inception in 2022, we’ve contributed to a workplace that celebrates the diversity of all people who walk through our doors — we look forward to continuing the momentum as we inspire a new generation of energy workers.”

For more information about what it’s like to work at Sempra, and to view open positions, visit our careers page.

 

¹ Company leadership includes director-level employees and officers. Numbers exclude Oncor and Mexico-based employees. Numbers include Sempra Corporate, SDG&E, SoCalGas and Sempra Infrastructure employees based in the U.S.

It’s the fastest-growing state in the U.S., currently topping at more than 30 million people, with some experts predicting that Texas could someday surpass California in population. With the growing population coupled with record-breaking temperatures this past summer, energy demand is expected only to increase in Texas, requiring industry leaders to harness the sun and wind to consistently deliver safe and reliable energy.

The Texas demand

The Texas Demographic Center, which is a part of the U.S. Bureau of the Census State Data Center Program, projects the state’s population to increase by nearly five million by 2030 to 34.8 million. By 2050, the number is expected to increase to 47.3 million people.

Serving this booming population has required Texas to add substantial amounts of new infrastructure, especially given the state’s climatic extremes and strong industrial sector. Abundant energy usage during the winter and average summer temperatures in excess of 90 degrees makes Texas one of the biggest consumers — and producers — of energy in America.

The Sempra Texas delivery

The electricity market in Texas currently hosts one of the most diverse portfolios of energy resources in the nation. Traditionally thought of as just an oil and gas producer, with 42% of the nation’s oil production and one fourth of the country’s natural gas production, Texas has also become a leading producer of renewable power in the U.S. Today, Texas accounts for nearly 30% of all non-hydroelectric renewable electricity generation in the country — leading the nation in wind power electricity and ranking second (behind California) in solar-powered electricity. The state is also rapidly growing its energy storage sector, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Delivering this diverse and increasingly clean set of energy resources to customers is the key job of Sempra Texas’ Oncor Electric Delivery Company, the largest transmission and distribution system in Texas based on the number of end-use customers and miles of transmission and distribution lines. By expanding its grid to both serve new Texans and deliver these increasingly diverse sources of power, Oncor has helped Texas through its extreme summer heatwave with 10 new peak demand records occurring on the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) power grid. This included an all-time peak of 85,435 MW set on Aug. 10 — more than 5,000 MW higher than last year’s record peak, according to the EIA (for comparison, the all-time peak in California, the fifth largest economy in the world, is 52,061, according to the state’s Independent System Operator). Texas is truly an “all of the above” power market with wind, solar, natural gas, and energy storage all contributing significantly during record-setting, triple-digit temperature heatwaves.

The Oncor mission

Oncor aims to deliver safe and reliable energy to more than one-third of the Texas population by connecting various sources of energy to the power grid. Since 2007, Oncor has assiduously worked to construct new projects to support surging demand. The company aims to fulfill 100% of new renewable energy requests for interconnection each year.

Looking beyond renewable energy, in the third quarter of 2023 alone, Oncor connected approximately 20,000 new premises, bringing its year-to-date new premise count to approximately 57,000.

In addition:

• As of Dec. 31, 2022, Oncor has interconnected an aggregate of 89 renewable generators to the ERCOT grid, representing over 18,600 MW of renewable generation capacity, about 12,800 MW of which (through 73 generators) had achieved commercial operation.

• During 2022, Oncor interconnected over 3,000 MW of renewable generation capacity, nearly 1,000 MW had achieved commercial operation. The amount of renewable generation in commercial operation through Oncor interconnections represents approximately 25% of all ERCOT wind and solar generation in commercial operation as of Dec. 31, 2022.

• As of Dec. 31, 2022, Oncor also had agreements in place with numerous generators — representing roughly 19,000 MW of new renewable and/or battery generation — which is expected to connect to Oncor facilities and achieve commercial operation over the next few years.

Sempra Texas is working tirelessly to adopt best practices and the latest technology. Along with connecting more solar and wind to the grid, Oncor is also investing in modern energy networks, such as pioneering smart grid technologies, which could help to ensure reliability even during extreme weather events.

 

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This article contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions about the future, involve risks and uncertainties, and are not guarantees. Future results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement. These forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this press release. We assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

In this article, forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "believe," "expect," "intend," "anticipate," "contemplate," "plan," "estimate," "project," "forecast," "should," "could," "would," "will," "confident," "may," "can," "potential," "possible," "proposed," "in process," "construct," "develop," "opportunity," "initiative," "target," "outlook," "optimistic," "poised," "maintain," "continue," "progress," "advance," "goal," "aim," "commit," or similar expressions, or when we discuss our guidance, priorities, strategy, goals, vision, mission, opportunities, projections, intentions or expectations.

Factors, among others, that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement include: California wildfires, including potential liability for damages regardless of fault and any inability to recover all or a substantial portion of costs from insurance, the wildfire fund established by California Assembly Bill 1054, rates from customers or a combination thereof; decisions, investigations, inquiries, regulations, denials or revocations of permits, consents, approvals or other authorizations, renewals of franchises, and other actions by the (i) California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), Comisión Reguladora de Energía, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Public Utility Commission of Texas, U.S. Internal Revenue Service and other governmental and regulatory bodies and (ii) U.S., Mexico and states, counties, cities and other jurisdictions therein and in other countries where we do business; the success of business development efforts, construction projects, acquisitions, divestitures and other significant transactions, including risks in (i) being able to make a final investment decision, (ii) completing construction projects or other transactions on schedule and budget, (iii) realizing anticipated benefits from any of these efforts if completed, and (iv) obtaining third-party consents and approvals; macroeconomic trends or other factors that could change our capital expenditure plans and their potential impact on rate base or other growth; litigation, arbitrations, property disputes and other proceedings, and changes to laws and regulations, including those related to tax and trade policy and the energy industry in Mexico; cybersecurity threats, including by state and state-sponsored actors, of ransomware or other attacks on our systems or the systems of third parties with which we conduct business, including the energy grid or other energy infrastructure, all of which continue to become more pronounced; the availability, uses, sufficiency, and cost of capital resources and our ability to borrow money or otherwise raise capital on favorable terms and meet our obligations, including due to (i) actions by credit rating agencies to downgrade our credit ratings or place those ratings on negative outlook, (ii) instability in the capital markets, or (iii) rising interest rates and inflation; failure of foreign governments, state-owned entities and our counterparties to honor their contracts and commitments; the impact on affordability of San Diego Gas & Electric Company’s (SDG&E) and Southern California Gas Company’s (SoCalGas) customer rates and their cost of capital and on SDG&E’s, SoCalGas’ and Sempra Infrastructure’s ability to pass through higher costs to customers due to (i) volatility in inflation, interest rates and commodity prices, (ii) with respect to SDG&E’s and SoCalGas’ businesses, the cost of the clean energy transition in California, and (iii) with respect to Sempra Infrastructure’s business, volatility in foreign currency exchange rates; the impact of climate and sustainability policies, laws, rules, regulations, disclosures and trends, including actions to reduce or eliminate reliance on natural gas, increased uncertainty in the political or regulatory environment for California natural gas distribution companies, the risk of nonrecovery for stranded assets, and our ability to incorporate new technologies; weather, natural disasters, pandemics, accidents, equipment failures, explosions, terrorism, information system outages or other events that disrupt our operations, damage our facilities or systems, cause the release of harmful materials or fires or subject us to liability for damages, fines and penalties, some of which may not be recoverable through regulatory mechanisms or insurance or may impact our ability to obtain satisfactory levels of affordable insurance; the availability of electric power, natural gas and natural gas storage capacity, including disruptions caused by failures in the transmission grid, pipeline system or limitations on the withdrawal of natural gas from storage facilities; Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC’s (Oncor) ability to reduce or eliminate its quarterly dividends due to regulatory and governance requirements and commitments, including by actions of Oncor’s independent directors or a minority member director; and other uncertainties, some of which are difficult to predict and beyond our control.

These risks and uncertainties are further discussed in the reports that Sempra has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These reports are available through the EDGAR system free-of-charge on the SEC’s website, sec.gov, and on Sempra’s website. Investors should not rely unduly on any forward-looking statements.

Sempra Infrastructure, Sempra Infrastructure Partners, Sempra Texas, Sempra Texas Utilities, Oncor and Infraestructura Energética Nova, S.A.P.I. de C.V. (IEnova) are not the same companies as the California utilities, SDG&E or SoCalGas, and Sempra Infrastructure, Sempra Infrastructure Partners, Sempra Texas, Sempra Texas Utilities, Oncor and IEnova are not regulated by the CPUC.

You’ve seen the stories everywhere: More investments will be needed to modernize energy infrastructure and advance a lower carbon future. Specifically, in California and following the approval of the California Independent System Operator’s 2022 – 2023 Transmission Plan, you’ve seen more stories about investing in the transmission and distribution lines that make up our modern energy grid.

You might have wondered why power lines look different everywhere you go. For example, the power structures in your neighborhood might be different from the one you see while driving on the freeway. There’s a reason for that: different infrastructure delivers electricity in different ways.

Understanding the difference and benefits of both transmission and distribution power lines is important when talking about how energy can be reliably and effectively delivered to homes and businesses. Here’s what you need to know about transmission and distribution power lines and why energy infrastructure is worth the investment.

Transmission and distribution lines explained

So, what’s the difference between transmission and distribution lines? Simply put, transmission lines and the accompanying equipment are used to move large quantities of power from generating facilities to substations. The substations are then connected to distribution lines.

Transmission lines carry energy across a region, helping move energy from often rural production areas to population centers where energy demand is high. These power lines are typically installed on taller structures than distribution lines. In fact, an average 500 kilovolt (kV) transmission structure is about 150 feet tall and weighs about 40,000 pounds, and the voltage ranges from 69kV to 500kV.

On the flip side, distribution lines carry electricity from substations to your home or office. They are typically shorter than transmission structures, averaging about 40 to 50 feet tall and 2,000 pounds in urban areas, and typically operate in the 4kV to 12kV range with secondary voltage systems operating at less than 1000V. They also carry a lower voltage, but still enough to reliably power a home or office. The shorter distances and lower voltages allow for improved safety for customers.

To sum it up, transmission lines are like freeways, and distribution lines are like surface streets.

Why invest in energy infrastructure

Recently, the International Energy Agency published a new report, World Energy Outlook 2023, that forecasts the world will need to add or replace nearly 50 million miles of transmission lines by 2040 for countries to keep up with their climate and energy security goals.

The sheer volume of need is daunting, but the Sempra family of companies are helping fill the gap. Earlier this year, Sempra unveiled a record five-year capital plan to invest in utilities and infrastructure, much of which is expected to be invested in California and Texas to align with the states’ demands for upgrading and expanding infrastructure, while also maintaining safety, reliability and resiliency. The capital plan includes Sempra’s proportionate ownership of projected capital expenditures at unconsolidated entities and excludes projected capital expenditures attributable to noncontrolling interest.

The Sempra family of companies has a long history of building reliable energy infrastructure to serve Californians. In fact, Sempra California’s San Diego Gas & Electric dates back to 1881. SDG&E aims to provide safe and reliable energy by making diligent improvements to its electric system. The state’s latest transmission plan identified investment opportunities in SDG&E’s service territory, creating potential opportunities for SDG&E to use its expertise to further meet growing energy demands.

In addition to investing in new transmission lines, SDG&E is working toward building the next generation of distributed energy resource management systems (DERMS) to help bolster system-wide reliability. Many experts believe DERMS could play a role in modernizing energy networks because it is a structure that allows for real-time communication and control of electricity from distributed energy resources, such as rooftop solar and energy storage. SDG&E is also implementing a Local Area Distribution Controller, also known as a microgrid controller, which is designed to allow for remote control of SDG&E’s microgrids to help improve resiliency during power outages.

By identifying where energy needs are increasing, how they are changing and the type of infrastructure needed, Sempra California’s SDG&E could help provide communities with safe and reliable energy during the transition to cleaner sources of energy.

Find out more about Sempra’s operating companies’ rich history in building transmission infrastructure to help safely deliver reliable energy.

 

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This article contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions about the future, involve risks and uncertainties, and are not guarantees. Future results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement. These forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this press release. We assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

In this article, forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "believe," "expect," "intend," "anticipate," "contemplate," "plan," "estimate," "project," "forecast," "should," "could," "would," "will," "confident," "may," "can," "potential," "possible," "proposed," "in process," "construct," "develop," "opportunity," "initiative," "target," "outlook," "optimistic," "poised," "maintain," "continue," "progress," "advance," "goal," "aim," "commit," or similar expressions, or when we discuss our guidance, priorities, strategy, goals, vision, mission, opportunities, projections, intentions or expectations.

Factors, among others, that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement include: California wildfires, including potential liability for damages regardless of fault and any inability to recover all or a substantial portion of costs from insurance, the wildfire fund established by California Assembly Bill 1054, rates from customers or a combination thereof; decisions, investigations, inquiries, regulations, denials or revocations of permits, consents, approvals or other authorizations, renewals of franchises, and other actions by the (i) California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), Comisión Reguladora de Energía, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Public Utility Commission of Texas, U.S. Internal Revenue Service and other governmental and regulatory bodies and (ii) U.S., Mexico and states, counties, cities and other jurisdictions therein and in other countries where we do business; the success of business development efforts, construction projects, acquisitions, divestitures and other significant transactions, including risks in (i) being able to make a final investment decision, (ii) completing construction projects or other transactions on schedule and budget, (iii) realizing anticipated benefits from any of these efforts if completed, and (iv) obtaining third-party consents and approvals; macroeconomic trends or other factors that could change our capital expenditure plans and their potential impact on rate base or other growth; litigation, arbitrations, property disputes and other proceedings, and changes to laws and regulations, including those related to tax and trade policy and the energy industry in Mexico; cybersecurity threats, including by state and state-sponsored actors, of ransomware or other attacks on our systems or the systems of third parties with which we conduct business, including the energy grid or other energy infrastructure, all of which continue to become more pronounced; the availability, uses, sufficiency, and cost of capital resources and our ability to borrow money or otherwise raise capital on favorable terms and meet our obligations, including due to (i) actions by credit rating agencies to downgrade our credit ratings or place those ratings on negative outlook, (ii) instability in the capital markets, or (iii) rising interest rates and inflation; failure of foreign governments, state-owned entities and our counterparties to honor their contracts and commitments; the impact on affordability of San Diego Gas & Electric Company’s (SDG&E) and Southern California Gas Company’s (SoCalGas) customer rates and their cost of capital and on SDG&E’s, SoCalGas’ and Sempra Infrastructure’s ability to pass through higher costs to customers due to (i) volatility in inflation, interest rates and commodity prices, (ii) with respect to SDG&E’s and SoCalGas’ businesses, the cost of the clean energy transition in California, and (iii) with respect to Sempra Infrastructure’s business, volatility in foreign currency exchange rates; the impact of climate and sustainability policies, laws, rules, regulations, disclosures and trends, including actions to reduce or eliminate reliance on natural gas, increased uncertainty in the political or regulatory environment for California natural gas distribution companies, the risk of nonrecovery for stranded assets, and our ability to incorporate new technologies; weather, natural disasters, pandemics, accidents, equipment failures, explosions, terrorism, information system outages or other events that disrupt our operations, damage our facilities or systems, cause the release of harmful materials or fires or subject us to liability for damages, fines and penalties, some of which may not be recoverable through regulatory mechanisms or insurance or may impact our ability to obtain satisfactory levels of affordable insurance; the availability of electric power, natural gas and natural gas storage capacity, including disruptions caused by failures in the transmission grid, pipeline system or limitations on the withdrawal of natural gas from storage facilities; Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC’s (Oncor) ability to reduce or eliminate its quarterly dividends due to regulatory and governance requirements and commitments, including by actions of Oncor’s independent directors or a minority member director; and other uncertainties, some of which are difficult to predict and beyond our control.

These risks and uncertainties are further discussed in the reports that Sempra has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These reports are available through the EDGAR system free-of-charge on the SEC’s website, sec.gov, and on Sempra’s website. Investors should not rely unduly on any forward-looking statements.

Sempra Infrastructure, Sempra Infrastructure Partners, Sempra Texas, Sempra Texas Utilities, Oncor and Infraestructura Energética Nova, S.A.P.I. de C.V. (IEnova) are not the same companies as the California utilities, SDG&E or SoCalGas, and Sempra Infrastructure, Sempra Infrastructure Partners, Sempra Texas, Sempra Texas Utilities, Oncor and IEnova are not regulated by the CPUC.

Whether it’s collecting basic essentials for people in need, participating in volunteer cleanups and beautification events or supporting emergency services and disaster relief efforts, employees with the Sempra family of companies are involved in an array of charitable causes that help improve their neighborhoods. Their efforts don’t just stop with their donated time, energy and/or funds either — the Sempra Foundation, which is funded by Sempra, donates money for every hour an employee volunteers with a nonprofit organization in addition to matching employees’ monetary contributions.

Here’s a glance at the work some of our employees are doing in their communities.

The mother-daughter duo

Carmen Ortega, a remittance processing supervisor for Sempra California’s SoCalGas, isn’t just a passionate community volunteer. She’s also the mother of a passionate community volunteer.

Ortega, alongside her daughter Michele Shimose, a project advisor in financial performance for SoCalGas, are actively involved in charities, like Shoes that Fit, Heart of Compassion and Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, across Los Angeles County. Together, they have organized the collection of shoes and backpacks for 400 children in need. Ortega said it’s about more than just giving children shoes and backpacks — it’s fulfilling their basic needs.

“It gives these children an opportunity to be like other kids, to attend school with dignity,” said Ortega, who has been with Sempra’s family of companies for 38 years. “A new pair of shoes brightens up a child’s self-esteem and helps bring out a positive attitude for them to face their day.”

Shimose said their charitable efforts are more impactful because they are Sempra employees.

“The support that the Sempra Foundation provides means that my individual volunteering is compounded and increases the impact one person can have,” Shimose said.

Photo: Carmen Ortega and Michele Shimose of SoCalGas volunteer at a nonprofit in Southern California

The aviator who protects

When Harvey Wagner isn’t fulfilling his job duties as the director of project development for Sempra Infrastructure, a Sempra operating company, he is serving as a captain for the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), a volunteer organization and the official auxiliary to the U.S. Air Force. When Wagner is on a mission, he is focused on keeping people safe and saving lives. The missions include search and rescue operations, disaster relief, wildland firefighting support and pandemic response, just to name a few.

“Volunteering with the CAP allows me to continue to serve my country and community using my skill set and passion for aviation while maintaining a separate professional career,” said Wagner, who has been with Sempra’s family of companies for eight years. “We make direct positive impacts in the community through numerous types of missions. Knowing that Sempra has my back when I volunteer helps me to focus on carrying out these and other critical missions safely and successfully,” he said.

Photo: Harvey Wagner of Sempra Infrastructure, a volunteer captain with the Civil Air Patrol, poses in front of an airplane

The Jill-of-all-trades

Alison Thomas will always join an effort to support a charitable cause. Thomas, an executive assistant at Sempra for six years, has been involved in Environmental All Stars, Produce Good, San Diego Audubon Society, I Love a Clean San Diego, Kitchens for Good, Scripps Ranch Theatre and La Jolla Playhouse, among other nonprofits.

The list of charitable causes may sound overwhelming, but Thomas loves all of it.

“I love working with many organizations that provide opportunities to work with like-minded individuals,” Thomas said. “Being active in the community is important to me, I like to give back. It is wonderful that Sempra is so supportive especially with the volunteer hours matching program.”

Photo: Alison Thomas pauses for a photo during a volunteering session

The nature afficionado

Taylor Sais, municipal infrastructure advisor for regional public affairs at Sempra California’s SDG&E, said his background in environmental science coupled with the power of volunteerism sparked his desire to support causes such as the Newport Bay Conservancy and the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation.

“Watching community members come out for a common cause to protect the bay really motivated me to see what else I could do to support the Newport Bay,” Sais said.

What’s more motivation? Having the support of his employer.

“It is amazing to have Sempra support employees’ charitable initiatives as many employees put a lot of their time into these organizations,” Sais said.

In fact, the employee-match donation from the Sempra Foundation helps bring low-income students to the bay.

“Many of these students live within 10 miles from Upper Newport Bay and have never visited the ocean, let alone a wetland,” Sais said. “The Sempra Foundation’s donation helps contribute to the bussing of these students to and from the nature preserve.”

The passionate do-gooder

Cintia Nava, an administrative coordinator for Sempra Infrastructure, is involved in all parts of the Sempra Infrastructure Foundation’s work where education, clean energy, emergency relief and volunteerism are the focus. An employee with the Sempra family of companies for four years, Nava said she rarely passes on an opportunity to do good in the community.

“I have always loved helping and when I have the opportunity, I don’t think twice about it,” Nava said. “I have supported it with every opportunity. It will continue to be that way as long as I belong to this great Sempra family of companies.”

Nava has volunteered with Patronato Francisco Mendez to help paint recreational facilities and Mexican Food Banks Association to help collect beans and rice.

Nava said she’s proud to be a part of a leading North American energy infrastructure company that also focuses on humanitarian efforts.

“It means a lot to me to belong to a company that is also a humanitarian company where we can all help whoever needs it,” Nava said.

Photo: Cintia Nava of Sempra Infrastructure devotes her extra time to causes supported by the Sempra Infrastructure Foundation in Mexico

Across Sempra

As of Sept. 30, 2023, employees with the Sempra family of companies have donated more than 24,000 volunteer hours to charitable causes. To support their volunteer efforts, the Sempra Foundation has donated nearly $200,000.

In total, the Sempra Foundation has matched $2.3 million in employee donations to charitable causes from Jan. 1, 2023 to Sept. 30, 2023.

In celebration of Giving Tuesday, the Sempra Foundation hosted another Double Match Day for Sempra employees on Nov. 28, double-matching any donation an employee made that day to a valid nonprofit, 501c3 organization.

For more information about the Sempra Foundation, visit semprafoundation.org. To explore career opportunities with the Sempra family of companies, visit our careers page.

Here’s what you need to know about hydrogen:

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced the historic investment of $7 billion to fund the country’s first clean hydrogen hubs. Two of the seven proposed regional hubs will be in California and Texas, where Sempra companies have vast energy networks and are well-positioned to help develop the clean hydrogen economy.

More than $1 billion is expected to be allocated to the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES), the California hydrogen hub where Sempra California’s SoCalGas is a proud collaborator ready to leverage its innovation in hydrogen. Additionally, more than $1 billion is expected to be allocated to HyVelocity, the Gulf Coast hydrogen hub where Sempra Infrastructure is one of seven core industry partners.

What is hydrogen and why is it important?

Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe and is well-positioned to play a major role in the low-carbon energy mix due to its versatile and sustainable qualities. Hydrogen can be produced and consumed with zero emissions when produced from renewable energy sources. It can also be produced from natural gas to create a low-emissions gas that can complement renewable energy to help further advance the global energy transition underway.

From providing a potential solution to the renewable energy storage dilemma, to supporting the transition to low- and zero-emission vehicles, hydrogen technology holds great promise for our cleaner energy future.

Sempra California’s utilities SoCalGas and SDG&E are participating in more than 20 hydrogen research and demonstration projects that aim to enhance grid resiliency and help decarbonize the economy.

Developing necessary infrastructure

Once renewable energy is converted into hydrogen, it needs to be stored and transported safely. Due to the large amount of renewable generation in California, utilizing the extensive natural gas pipeline network is an attractive and potentially scalable option for storing and transporting hydrogen.

Hydrogen hubs like those designated and funded by the DOE are envisioned to accelerate the use of hydrogen when all stakeholders come together in regional hubs. Each hub is expected to be supported by businesses that will produce, process, deliver and store hydrogen before it goes to consumers, such as hard-to-abate industries, including the transportation sector. However, modern infrastructure is the key enabler of the hydrogen economy.

Sempra companies have significant expertise in building, managing and operating pipeline infrastructure — infrastructure that is necessary to advance the hydrogen economy. In addition to upstream production facilities, the hydrogen industry needs pipelines, storage and potentially import and export terminals to satisfy the global hydrogen market that may emerge as countries around the world look to decarbonize.

Achieving cleaner transportation

The energy transition will need to address the transportation sector, which is the largest contributor to greenhouse gases in California. That’s why we are actively exploring how hydrogen and fuel cell electric vehicles could provide a much greener option compared to ones powered by gasoline.

Fuel cells are two to three times more efficient than gasoline, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. With a much longer range and shorter fueling time compared with battery electric vehicles, fuel cell electric vehicles have the potential to become an important component of the energy transition and the hydrogen economy.

SoCalGas is underway advancing fuel cell technology and was previously awarded $7 million in funding from the DOE to advance lower emissions vehicle technologies such as fuel cell technology that will power trucks and transit buses.

Advancing the energy transition

We believe the future of energy is clean electrons and cleaner molecules working in tandem — and hydrogen fits squarely in the mix. Across the Sempra family of companies, we are committed to furthering the energy transition across North America through innovation in hydrogen technology and more.

 

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This article contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions with respect to the future, involve risks and uncertainties, and are not guarantees. Future results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement. These forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this article. We assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

In this article, forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “contemplates,” “plans,” “estimates,” “projects,” “forecasts,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “will,” “confident,” “may,” “can,” “potential,” “possible,” “proposed,” “in process,” “construct,” “develop,” “opportunity,” “initiative,” “target,” “outlook,” “optimistic,” “poised,” “maintain,” “continue,” “progress,” “advance,” “goal,” “aim,” “commit,” or similar expressions, or when we discuss our guidance, priorities, strategy, goals, vision, mission, opportunities, projections, intentions or expectations.

Factors, among others, that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement include risks and uncertainties relating to: California wildfires, including potential liability for damages regardless of fault and any inability to recover all or a substantial portion of costs from insurance, the wildfire fund established by California Assembly Bill 1054, rates from customers or a combination thereof; decisions, investigations, inquiries, regulations, denials or revocations of permits, consents, approvals or other authorizations, renewals of franchises, and other actions by (i) the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), Comisión Reguladora de Energía, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Public Utility Commission of Texas, and other governmental and regulatory bodies and (ii) the U.S., Mexico and states, counties, cities and other jurisdictions therein and in other countries where we do business; the success of business development efforts, construction projects and acquisitions and divestitures, including risks in (i) being able to make a final investment decision, (ii) completing construction projects or other transactions on schedule and budget, (iii) realizing anticipated benefits from any of these efforts if completed, and (iv) obtaining the consent or approval of third parties; litigation, arbitrations, property disputes and other proceedings, and changes to laws and regulations, including those related to the energy industry in Mexico; cybersecurity threats, including by state and state-sponsored actors, of ransomware or other attacks on our systems or the systems of third parties with which we conduct business, including the energy grid or other energy infrastructure, all of which have become more pronounced due to recent geopolitical events; our ability to borrow money on favorable terms and meet our obligations, including due to (i) actions by credit rating agencies to downgrade our credit ratings or place those ratings on negative outlook or (ii) rising interest rates and inflation; failure of foreign governments, state-owned entities and our counterparties to honor their contracts and commitments; the impact on affordability of San Diego Gas & Electric Company’s (SDG&E) and Southern California Gas Company’s (SoCalGas) customer rates and their cost of capital and on SDG&E’s, SoCalGas’ and Sempra Infrastructure’s ability to pass through higher costs to customers due to (i) volatility in inflation, interest rates and commodity prices, (ii) with respect to SDG&E’s and SoCalGas’ businesses, the cost of the clean energy transition in California, and (iii) with respect to Sempra Infrastructure’s business, volatility in foreign currency exchange rates; the impact of climate and sustainability policies, laws, rules, regulations, disclosures and trends, including actions to reduce or eliminate reliance on natural gas, increased uncertainty in the political or regulatory environment for California natural gas distribution companies, the risk of nonrecovery for stranded assets, and our ability to incorporate new technologies; weather, natural disasters, pandemics, accidents, equipment failures, explosions, terrorism, information system outages or other events that disrupt our operations, damage our facilities or systems, cause the release of harmful materials or fires or subject us to liability for damages, fines and penalties, some of which may not be recoverable through regulatory mechanisms or insurance or may impact our ability to obtain satisfactory levels of affordable insurance; the availability of electric power, natural gas and natural gas storage capacity, including disruptions caused by failures in the transmission grid, pipeline system or limitations on the withdrawal of natural gas from storage facilities; Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC’s (Oncor) ability to reduce or eliminate its quarterly dividends due to regulatory and governance requirements and commitments, including by actions of Oncor’s independent directors or a minority member director; changes in tax and trade policies, laws and regulations, including tariffs, revisions to international trade agreements and sanctions, any of which may increase our costs, reduce our competitiveness, impact our ability to do business with certain counterparties, or impair our ability to resolve trade disputes; and other uncertainties, some of which are difficult to predict and beyond our control.

These risks and uncertainties are further discussed in the reports that Sempra has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These reports are available through the EDGAR system free-of-charge on the SEC’s website, sec.gov, and on Sempra’s website, sempra.com. Investors should not rely unduly on any forward-looking statements.

Sempra Infrastructure, Sempra Infrastructure Partners, Sempra Texas, Sempra Texas Utilities, Oncor and Infraestructura Energética Nova, S.A.P.I. de C.V. (IEnova) are not the same companies as the California utilities, SDG&E or SoCalGas, and Sempra Infrastructure, Sempra Infrastructure Partners, Sempra Texas, Sempra Texas Utilities, Oncor and IEnova are not regulated by the CPUC.

A more secure and cleaner energy future could be on the horizon with the recent announcement by Sempra Infrastructure, a subsidiary of Sempra. Sempra Infrastructure plans to evaluate a possible Gulf Coast project that would produce around 130,000 tons of e-natural gas per year.

The proposed project comes at a time when global leaders are calling for an increase in energy supply, particularly from North America as the supply dwindles in other parts of the world. Multiple studies also point that the demand for energy will only increase further as more economies look to electrify and decarbonize.

The project — which is currently being evaluated through a consortium comprised of Sempra Infrastructure, Tokyo Gas Company, Ltd., Osaka Gas Company, Ltd., Toho Gas Company., Ltd. and Mitsubishi Corporation — focuses on supporting decarbonization goals in Japan. However, it could also serve as the first link of an international supply chain of carbon-neutral liquified e-natural gas — helping to address global energy challenges.

What is e-natural gas?

E-natural gas, also known as e-methane, is a carbon neutral synthetic natural gas derived from renewable hydrogen and recycled carbon dioxide. The renewable hydrogen and carbon are piped into a methanation plant, where they are combined using heat, pressure and a catalyst such as nickel. Once produced, e-natural gas is chemically indistinguishable from the natural gas that flows through the U.S. gas pipeline network today. In other words, it can be placed into existing gas networks and systems (e.g., pipelines, storage, liquefaction and regasification) without building new infrastructure — making it a prime potential (lower emission/carbon neutral) solution for fulfilling global energy demand.

E-natural gas is likely to be considered carbon neutral because it could be produced using hydrogen powered by renewables and recycled carbon as feedstock. The source of carbon for e-natural gas production is envisioned to be captured from industrial emitters, hence no new carbon emissions would be created from the production of e-natural gas.

Why is e-natural gas important?

For this proposed Sempra Infrastructure project — which could serve as a model for similar projects in the future — the e-natural gas would be used to help Japan reduce overall emissions intensity, helping meet the Japanese city gas companies’ goal to replace 1% of their LNG demand with e-natural gas by 2030. METI, Japan’s energy ministry, will soon be deliberating on whether to formally adopt this goal into Japan’s overall energy targets to have e-natural gas meet 90% of Japan’s natural gas needs by 2050.

 

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This article contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions with respect to the future, involve risks and uncertainties, and are not guarantees. Future results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement. These forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this article. We assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

In this article, forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “contemplates,” “plans,” “estimates,” “projects,” “forecasts,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “will,” “confident,” “may,” “can,” “potential,” “possible,” “proposed,” “in process,” “construct,” “develop,” “opportunity,” “initiative,” “target,” “outlook,” “optimistic,” “poised,” “maintain,” “continue,” “progress,” “advance,” “goal,” “aim,” “commit,” or similar expressions, or when we discuss our guidance, priorities, strategy, goals, vision, mission, opportunities, projections, intentions or expectations.

Factors, among others, that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement include risks and uncertainties relating to: California wildfires, including potential liability for damages regardless of fault and any inability to recover all or a substantial portion of costs from insurance, the wildfire fund established by California Assembly Bill 1054, rates from customers or a combination thereof; decisions, investigations, inquiries, regulations, denials or revocations of permits, consents, approvals or other authorizations, renewals of franchises, and other actions by (i) the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), Comisión Reguladora de Energía, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Public Utility Commission of Texas, and other governmental and regulatory bodies and (ii) the U.S., Mexico and states, counties, cities and other jurisdictions therein and in other countries where we do business; the success of business development efforts, construction projects and acquisitions and divestitures, including risks in (i) being able to make a final investment decision, (ii) completing construction projects or other transactions on schedule and budget, (iii) realizing anticipated benefits from any of these efforts if completed, and (iv) obtaining the consent or approval of third parties; litigation, arbitrations, property disputes and other proceedings, and changes to laws and regulations, including those related to the energy industry in Mexico; cybersecurity threats, including by state and state-sponsored actors, of ransomware or other attacks on our systems or the systems of third parties with which we conduct business, including the energy grid or other energy infrastructure, all of which have become more pronounced due to recent geopolitical events; our ability to borrow money on favorable terms and meet our obligations, including due to (i) actions by credit rating agencies to downgrade our credit ratings or place those ratings on negative outlook or (ii) rising interest rates and inflation; failure of foreign governments, state-owned entities and our counterparties to honor their contracts and commitments; the impact on affordability of San Diego Gas & Electric Company’s (SDG&E) and Southern California Gas Company’s (SoCalGas) customer rates and their cost of capital and on SDG&E’s, SoCalGas’ and Sempra Infrastructure’s ability to pass through higher costs to customers due to (i) volatility in inflation, interest rates and commodity prices, (ii) with respect to SDG&E’s and SoCalGas’ businesses, the cost of the clean energy transition in California, and (iii) with respect to Sempra Infrastructure’s business, volatility in foreign currency exchange rates; the impact of climate and sustainability policies, laws, rules, regulations, disclosures and trends, including actions to reduce or eliminate reliance on natural gas, increased uncertainty in the political or regulatory environment for California natural gas distribution companies, the risk of nonrecovery for stranded assets, and our ability to incorporate new technologies; weather, natural disasters, pandemics, accidents, equipment failures, explosions, terrorism, information system outages or other events that disrupt our operations, damage our facilities or systems, cause the release of harmful materials or fires or subject us to liability for damages, fines and penalties, some of which may not be recoverable through regulatory mechanisms or insurance or may impact our ability to obtain satisfactory levels of affordable insurance; the availability of electric power, natural gas and natural gas storage capacity, including disruptions caused by failures in the transmission grid, pipeline system or limitations on the withdrawal of natural gas from storage facilities; Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC’s (Oncor) ability to reduce or eliminate its quarterly dividends due to regulatory and governance requirements and commitments, including by actions of Oncor’s independent directors or a minority member director; changes in tax and trade policies, laws and regulations, including tariffs, revisions to international trade agreements and sanctions, any of which may increase our costs, reduce our competitiveness, impact our ability to do business with certain counterparties, or impair our ability to resolve trade disputes; and other uncertainties, some of which are difficult to predict and beyond our control.

These risks and uncertainties are further discussed in the reports that Sempra has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These reports are available through the EDGAR system free-of-charge on the SEC’s website, sec.gov, and on Sempra’s website, sempra.com. Investors should not rely unduly on any forward-looking statements.

Sempra Infrastructure, Sempra Infrastructure Partners, Sempra Texas, Sempra Texas Utilities, Oncor and Infraestructura Energética Nova, S.A.P.I. de C.V. (IEnova) are not the same companies as the California utilities, SDG&E or SoCalGas, and Sempra Infrastructure, Sempra Infrastructure Partners, Sempra Texas, Sempra Texas Utilities, Oncor and IEnova are not regulated by the CPUC.

On this Women’s Equality Day and every day, we celebrate the value and diversity of all women driving the success of Sempra and the communities we serve. Among this group of women, we’re highlighting some of our leaders across the Sempra family of companies who are shaping the company’s mission to build North America’s premier energy infrastructure company.

Maryam Brown
President of SoCalGas

Maryam Brown is the president of SoCalGas, the nation’s largest natural gas distribution utility. As president, Brown develops and executes SoCalGas’ strategic vision with a focus on SoCalGas’ aspiration to achieve carbon neutral operations in its delivery of energy by 2045.

Brown was instrumental in unveiling SoCalGas’ [H2] Innovation Experience, demonstrating the potential for clean, renewable hydrogen to be used to power communities and businesses. Additionally, Brown is helping advance the proposed Angeles Link project, which could be the nation’s largest green hydrogen pipeline system and make the Los Angeles basin a clean fuels hub here in the U.S.

Under Brown’s leadership, SoCalGas exceeded California Public Utilities Commission’s diverse spending goal with suppliers for the 30th consecutive year in 2022.

Brown started her career as an engineer in the petroleum refining sector and has 25 years of experience in the energy industry across engineering, legal, policy and regulatory roles. She joined SoCalGas in 2019 from Sempra, where she was vice president, federal government affairs. Before joining Sempra, Brown served as chief energy counsel to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce and subsequently as senior energy and environment counsel for two U.S. House speakers.

Tania Ortiz Mena
Group President, Clean Power and Energy Networks at Sempra Infrastructure

Tania Ortiz Mena is paving the way for the next generation of women in energy. Ortiz Mena is the group president, clean power and energy networks at Sempra Infrastructure. She leads the company’s activities related to clean power generation, natural gas transportation and distribution, and fuel storage facilities in North America.

Ortiz Mena proudly champions women in the energy sector and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture at Sempra Infrastructure. She recently participated in the U.S.-Mexico Forum 2023 along with other energy leaders and think-tanks to share ideas on advancing North America’s energy transition. Ortiz Mena was also recognized as one of the “Leading Women with the Best Reputation” on issues of environmental, social and governance in 2022 by Merco.

Most recently, Ortiz Mena was IEnova’s chief executive officer from September 2018 to September 2021, and a member of the Board of Directors since January 2019. She began her career at IEnova in 2000, holding different positions, including vice president of external affairs and development, and chief development officer.

Caroline Winn
CEO at SDG&E

Being the only female in her graduating engineering class, Caroline Winn knew then that she wanted to pave the road for change. Fast forward to her current role as the chief executive officer for SDG&E, Winn has spent much of her career advocating for programs that expose more girls to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education, and assuring them that they can be leaders in these fields.

Under Winn’s leadership, SDG&E has received the ReliabilityOne^® Awards for Outstanding Reliability Performance among utilities on the west coast for 17 consecutive years. With Winn’s tenacity for innovation, SDG&E was the first utility in the country to develop a dedicated Fire Science & Climate Adaptation department. SDG&E has created models with the help of artificial intelligence for its weather stations, which improves the accuracy of forecasts and monitors wildfire threats. SDG&E also exceeded California Public Utilities Commission’s diverse spending goal with suppliers for the 18th consecutive year in 2022.

Previously, she served as the chief operating officer of SDG&E, overseeing operations of the utility’s natural gas and electric infrastructure assets and customer services. In that role, Winn is widely recognized for advancing SDG&E’s national reputation in sustainability, technology and innovation, including the company’s significant safety and wildfire mitigation efforts.

Since joining the company in 1986 as an associate engineer, Winn has held several leadership positions within SDG&E and SoCalGas. In 2022, Winn was named to the California Power 50 list, recognizing women with senior-level roles from top companies who are making an impact in their companies and communities.

If you ask Gustavo Gonzalez why he’s been with Sempra for 22 years, he will give you many reasons, all of which would fall under the company’s values to do the right thing, champion people and shape the future.

Gonzalez, the director of cash management at Sempra, sees those values come together through the company’s Mentorship Program where he has served as a mentor for the last two years. The eight-month program intentionally connects participants with a goal of helping employees develop their career experience and knowledge, along with inclusive leadership skills. Launched in 2011 by Sempra’s Employee Diversity & Inclusion Council, the Mentorship Program is available to all 20,000 employees across Sempra’s family of companies. Since its founding, the program has had more than 800 participants with the 2022—2023 cohort of mentees graduating in July.

“For me, the mentorship program is a learning experience for both mentors and mentees,” Gonzalez said. “It’s a great opportunity to have very meaningful conversations about development, diversity and work and personal experiences.”

Gonzalez is not the only leader to participate in the mentorship program multiple times. Jenell McKay, director of investor relations at Sempra, first joined the program as a mentee in 2018. She has since participated as a mentor many times.

“The mentorship program offered another forum for me to build a network at the family of companies through the structured assignment of a mentor along with events designed to introduce others within the program,” McKay said. “I appreciated the ability to identify areas where I would like to grow and have someone who wanted to support my development in those areas. I continue to be a part of the mentorship program to give back to our community, support others who want to grow within the company, and develop our future leaders.”

Miguel Murillo, a senior financial analyst for Sempra, is one of the mentees who signed up for the program with the goal of growing within the company. Murillo, the mentee of McKay, said he’s had the benefit of having a leader who can offer him guidance on his career goals. He’s also able to share any pitfalls he may encounter and receive feedback on how to overcome them.

“The program provides a valuable opportunity for continuous learning and growth,” Murillo said. “You can tap into the knowledge and experience of a seasoned professional who can guide you on your career path.”

Although Murillo and other mentees will graduate from the Mentorship Program this month, they can continue their connection with mentors throughout their Sempra careers.

“The mentorship program is a key component of Sempra’s high-performance culture,” Alberto Bautista, director of diversity and inclusion at Sempra, said. “We know that by creating connections and developing trusted relationships among employees, we can build a positive company culture that employees can take pride in.”

Find out more about Sempra’s high-performance culture or explore our job openings.

For many Sempra employees, a commitment to sustainability isn’t just a 9-to-5 job — it’s personal. Take, for example, Estela de Llanos who is the vice president of energy procurement and sustainability at Sempra’s operating company, San Diego Gas & Electric. de Llanos is a member of the board of directors for the Coalition for Clean Air, an organization that has worked to improve air quality since 1971.

de Llanos said she discovered the organization in the late 1990s before becoming a volunteer. From there, she became committed to helping advance clean air solutions to create a safer environment for her family, especially her three children, and others.

“The Coalition for Clean Air’s mission is to protect public health, improve air quality and fight climate change,” de Llanos said. “This is something that resonates with me personally. As a child growing up in Los Angeles, I can remember days that we could not play outside because of poor air quality. I can remember being surprised every time the skies cleared after rain to reveal the nearby mountains, which were usually invisible. And, I remember being sad to learn that an aunt of mine was moving out of state because her asthma was too severe to live in Los Angeles.”

Although air quality has improved dramatically in California with the help of organizations like the Coalition for Clean Air, more work needs to be done, de Llanos said. It’s why de Llanos commits more than her time to the organization, but also her dollars. Thanks to the Sempra Foundation’s charitable gift matching program for U.S.-based employees of the Sempra family of companies, de Llanos can see her donations make the maximum impact.

“I always take advantage of the Sempra Foundation matches to leverage additional dollars for the Coalition for Clean Air,” de Llanos said. “One of the things I love most about working in the Sempra family of companies is the support for working with organizations that make a difference in the regions and markets we serve and that matter personally to employees. It is a powerful way to stay connected to our most important stakeholders: Our customers and our employees.”

Photo: Estela de Llanos (right) with Liane Randolph, chair of the California Air Resources Board

Environmental work by the numbers

When it comes to environmental causes, the Sempra Foundation has donated more than $7.65 million in charitable contributions to support and protect the environment since 2007. Through the Double Match Program, the Sempra Foundation and employees from the Sempra family of companies together have donated more than $400,000 in the past five years to charitable organizations focused on sustainability, including to the San Diego Audubon Society, Surfrider Foundation and the World Wildlife Fund. In addition, the Sempra Foundation offers a year-round Single Match Program to employees.

“Sempra’s mission is to deliver energy with purpose — and that is guided by our shared values to do the right thing, champion people and shape the future,” Lisa Larroque Alexander, senior vice president of corporate affairs and chief sustainability officer for Sempra and director and board chair for the Sempra Foundation, said. “We believe that actions speak louder than words, and we couldn’t be more proud of our employees for donating their personal time and hard-earned money to charities that share our same values.”

The pride is reciprocated for many Sempra employees who donate during Double Match Day.

Photo: A group of Sempra employees plants trees as part of a volunteer initiative

Gina Orozco, vice president of gas engineering and systems integrity at Sempra’s operating company, SoCalGas, said she’s thankful that the Sempra Foundation supports a cause she cares about. She serves on the board of the California State Parks Foundation, an organization with a mission to protect and preserve California state parks. The work of the California State Parks Foundation, which relies on support from organizations such as the Sempra Foundation, is crucial.

“There is a great need to continue to protect nature and wildlife from environmental dangers, including wildfires, floods, extreme heat, etc.,” Orozco said. “I believe that it is a personal responsibility as Californians to help protect these parks for future generations, and to support a balanced natural ecosystem that contributes to clean water and air.”

Christine Macias-Papierniak, an engineer for SDG&E who donated to The Nature Conservancy’s Plant a Billion Trees Initiative, said she appreciates the company’s support of her causes.

“I like that my donation is used toward planting trees that would benefit our planet and my friends and family,” Macias-Papierniak said. “I really like that Sempra offers the double match because it shows support in employees’ chosen causes and charities and helps me have a bigger impact on fighting climate change and helping our planet.”

Double Match Day is a part of the Sempra Foundation’s efforts to help create a better quality of life in the communities it serves. Along with organizations that focus on efforts related to climate action, economic prosperity and diversity and inclusion, the Foundation helps employees unite to raise funding for charities and schools. The next Double Match Day is scheduled for Aug. 8.

For more information about Sempra’s high-performance culture or for a list of job openings, visit our careers page. For more information about the Sempra Foundation, visit semprafoundation.org.