20% DROP IN GAS HEATING BILLS THIS WINTER; FUNDS INCREASED TO HELP LOW-INCOME CUSTOMERS

February. 17, 2009 (San Diego) — Due to a decline in commodity
costs, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) natural gas customers can expect
their heating bills to be 20-percent lower this winter than last year, the
utility company has announced.

The average monthly residential winter heating bill (for 50 therms of natural
gas) is expected to be about $50 to $60, down from $67 last year. The
combined monthly energy bill for a typical residential customer is likely to
be about $120 to $140, compared with $138 last year, based on 50 therms
of gas usage and 500 kilowatt-hour of electricity usage. Customers in
some parts of the county may see increased electric bills, based on higher
power consumption.

The recent drop in natural gas commodity prices is a result of high gas storage
inventories nationwide, abundant supplies in gas-producing regions and lower
demand in the industrial sector. Under California's regulatory framework,
SDG&E passes the wholesale price of natural gas through to customers without
mark-up.

The lower gas commodity prices are good news for our customers at a time when
many families are facing difficult economic times, said Richard M. Morrow,
vice president of customer services for SDG&E. "We want to help our
customers stay warm this winter and encourage them to call if they need bill
payment options or assistance."

SDG&E also announced today that it is increasing assistance funds available
to qualified customers. SDG&E's Neighbor-to-Neighbor Fund provides
up to $200 per customer for bill assistance. Sempra Energy, parent company
of SDG&E, is contributing $150,000 to expand the fund to a total of more
than $400,000. The program is open to qualified customers who are experiencing
temporary financial hardship and are not eligible for state or federal assistance. Customers
eligible for government assistance must apply for energy assistance under those
programs before being considered for Neighbor-to-Neighbor assistance. These
funds are available now. Customers may call 2-1-1 to find participating
agencies.

For customers in need of assistance in paying their natural gas bills or in
making their homes more energy efficient, SDG&E offers a range of programs
and services. To enroll in these programs and services, or for more information
on how to reduce winter energy bills, visit SDG&E's Web site at www.sdge.com,
or call (800) 411-7343.