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Southern California Gas Co.'s “Advanced Meter” Program Moves Forward with State Approval The California Public Utilities Commission has cleared the way for Southern California Gas Co. to implement its advanced metering infrastructure program. The advanced meter technology will enhance operational efficiencies, customer service and safety, and energy conservation.“We are pleased that the California Public Utilities Commission supports our advanced meter program and recognizes the benefits it will provide to our customers,” said Anne Shen Smith, chief operating officer for Southern California Gas Co. “Advanced meters will give customers the same kind of timely information that they get from their banks, cell phone companies and other utilities. Knowing how much energy is being consumed is a fundamental tool to help customers reduce usage and lower utility bills. We want to help them do both." The CPUC approved $1.05 billion for the project from 2010 through 2017. Southern California Gas Co. plans to begin replacing and retrofitting an estimated six million natural gas meters with wireless communications modules throughout its service territory beginning in mid-2012. According to the CPUC decision, Southern California Gas Co.’s advanced meter system “is consistent with Commission energy policy objectives of increasing energy conservation and demand-side management, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and providing customers with information and tools that allow them to manage and make educated decisions about their energy use.” The data that advanced meters collect will help enhance customer service by providing accurate billing and timely response to customer inquiries, in addition to greater customer privacy, security and convenience. There no longer will be a need to access a customer’s property; instead, natural gas meters will be read automatically -- sending information electronically from the customer’s gas meter to the utility. Once installed, advanced meters will eliminate close to seven million driving miles annually related to meter reading. It also will improve air quality by reducing greenhouse gas emissions each year due to energy savings and by removing vehicles from the road. “In addition to operating benefits, the advanced meter system holds the potential to generate additional benefits through a dramatic expansion in the available energy usage information, providing customers with meaningful and timely feedback about their natural gas consumption,” added Commissioner Dian M. Grueneich of the CPUC. "This information will give customers the ability and choice to make changes that reduce energy consumption and cost." Smith said that the full implementation of the program will result in lower operating costs, which translates to lower rates for customers. The CPUC already has approved advanced metering infrastructure programs for San Diego Gas & Electric, Southern California Edison, and Pacific Gas & Electric. The program supports the state’s energy policy of meeting California’s energy growth needs by first prioritizing energy conservation and resource efficiency. For more information about the advanced meter program, visit Southern California Gas Co.’s Web site at www.socalgas.com/ami |
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