Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with an ENERGY STAR Certified Homes Market Leader Award for 2019. The award acknowledges the company's commitment to environmental protection and energy-efficient construction.
In the last five years, SoCalGas has provided over US$8 million in incentives to residential builders for the construction of environmentally-friendly, energy-efficient homes. SoCalGas account representatives support builders throughout the construction process and provide each builder with an incentive check upon completion of a project. The award comes as a result of the California ENERGY STAR New Homes Program Marketing Support Bonus SoCalGas offers as part of its California Advanced Homes Program (CAHP). The company also received the ENERGY STAR award in 2015, 2017, and 2018.
"Since 2017, we have been the only investor-owned utility in California to offer the ENERGY STAR bonus as part of our CAHP and are thrilled to receive this award yet again," said Brian Prusnek, director of customer programs and assistance at SoCalGas. "Not only does this award signify our commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through energy-efficient construction, but it also demonstrates SoCalGas' commitment to our vision to be the cleanest gas utility in North America."
"The ENERGY STAR program proudly recognizes the efforts of our outstanding partners who have made important contributions to energy-efficient construction and environmental protection. Our 2020 Market Leader Award winners demonstrate a high level of commitment to making ENERGY STAR certified homes and apartments available to American consumers. The EPA proudly recognizes SoCalGas' efforts as an ENERGY STAR partner," said Jonathan Passe, chief of the ENERGY STAR residential branch at the EPA.
"On behalf of the Building Industry Association of Southern California (BIASC), I would like to congratulate SoCalGas on its 2020 ENERGY STAR Market Leader Award," said Craig Foster, executive vice president at the BIASC. "SoCalGas has always been a true partner to builders throughout Southern California. In addition to very generous energy efficiency incentives, the green building expertise and level of service provided by SoCalGas account representatives is outstanding. These folks support our builder members every step of the way, from the early design stage through final inspection and delivery of the builders' incentive checks."
SoCalGas saved customers US$65.4 million in 2019 on their annual gas bills through its energy efficiency programs. The energy savings is equivalent to removing nearly 293,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions and taking more than 63,000 cars off California roads for one year.
Between 2015 and 2019, SoCalGas energy efficiency programs delivered more than 208 million therms in energy savings — enough natural gas usage for 127,000 households a year — and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by over 1,100,000 metric tons, the equivalent of removing nearly 238,000 cars from the road annually. These advances have also helped save SoCalGas customers over US$229 million in utility bill costs.
Last year, SoCalGas announced its vision to become the cleanest natural gas utility in North America by delivering a 21st century energy system that works for all Californians. This system would include replacing 20% of the traditional natural gas supply with renewable natural gas (RNG) by 2030. It also has the potential to include several other clean energy strategies such as hydrogen and will provide clean, reliable, and affordable energy.
