So. Cal. Gas performing pipeline integrity work at Grand & Chestnut

City of Santa Ana, Downtown Orange County

Advisory: SOCALGAS PERFORMS PIPELINE INTEGRITY WORK IN SANTA ANA

LOS ANGELES, April 25, 2012 – Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) is performing pipeline integrity work along Grand and Chestnut avenues in the city of Santa Ana through August 8, according to company officials. The work, which began April 1, ensures compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline Integrity Program and the Office of Pipeline Safety to ensure continued safe and reliable natural gas service.

Westbound traffic lanes along Chestnut, west of Grand, are closed to traffic for the duration of the project, along with the number two lane on southbound Grand Ave. The number two eastbound lane on Chestnut Avenue will remain open.

Work is being performed during the hours of 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Natural gas service to homes and businesses is not expected to be interrupted; however, traffic may be impacted with some lane closures on Grand and Chestnut. Every effort is being made to reduce any inconvenience to area residents and businesses.

The pipeline inspection work is part of SoCalGas’ pipeline integrity program launched in 2003. As part of the program, more than 1,200 miles of SoCalGas’ major natural gas lines running through populated areas will be inspected through the use of sophisticated internal inspection tools. The tools record data on the condition of the pipeline, such as wall thickness, as it moves through the pipeline. After inspection, the data is analyzed and any necessary repairs are made. Federal law requires these pipelines to be re-inspected every seven years.

“Safety of our customers, the communities we service, and our employees is our top priority,” said Jennifer Vaughn, public affairs manager for SoCalGas. “We appreciate the assistance and cooperation of city and county officials and first responders as we carry out this important pipeline safety work.”

About Southern California Gas Co.

Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) has been delivering clean, safe and reliable natural gas to its customers for more than 140 years. It is the nation’s largest natural gas distribution utility, providing service to 20.9 million consumers connected through nearly 5.8 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).

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Contact Information:
Denise King
Southern California Gas Co.
877-643-2331