South Calif Gas - SOCGP STOCK NEWS

The Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce (GLAAACC) honored SoCalGas with the 'Utility of the Year' award at its 29th Annual Economic Awards Dinner. SoCalGas has notably increased its supplier spending with African American-owned businesses by over 50% in two years, totaling $134 million spent with 71 firms in 2022. The company exceeded the California Public Utilities Commission's diverse spending goals for the 30th consecutive year, with over $1 billion spent on diverse businesses. SoCalGas aims for 45% of its supplier spend to be with diverse businesses by 2025, continuing its commitment to economic inclusion.

Southern California Gas Co. (OTC-PINK:SOCGP) has exceeded the California Public Utilities Commission's diverse spending goal for the 30th consecutive year, sourcing nearly 43% of its goods and services from minority, women, service-disabled veteran, and LGBT-owned businesses in 2022. The company engaged with 578 diverse businesses, spending over $1 billion. SoCalGas aims to reach 45% diverse spending by 2025 as part of its ASPIRE 2045 sustainability strategy. Over six years, it has spent approximately $5 billion with diverse enterprises. CEO Scott Drury was recognized as CEO Diversity Champion for his leadership in advancing diversity and inclusion in contracting.

Sempra (NYSE: SRE) announced that its subsidiary, Sempra Infrastructure Partners, has made a final investment decision for the Port Arthur LNG Phase 1 project in Jefferson County, Texas. The project involves a joint venture with ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) and KKR's equity participation. A $6.8 billion non-recourse debt financing has been secured, and a final notice to proceed has been issued to Bechtel for construction. The facility aims for a nameplate capacity of approximately 13 million tonnes per annum, with long-term contracts already signed for 10.5 million tonnes. Expected commercial operations are in 2027 and 2028.

Sempra reported fourth-quarter 2022 earnings of $438 million or $1.39 per diluted share, down from $604 million or $1.90 in Q4 2021. Adjusted earnings for Q4 2022 were $743 million or $2.35 per diluted share, up from $688 million or $2.16 the previous year. The full-year 2022 GAAP earnings were $2.09 billion or $6.62 per share compared to $1.25 billion or $4.01 in 2021. Sempra reaffirmed its 2023 EPS guidance of $8.60 to $9.20 and long-term growth rate of 6-8%. The company declared a quarterly dividend of $1.19 and is targeting a final investment decision for its Port Arthur LNG Phase 1 project by Q1 2023.

San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) announced $16 million in shareholder funding for customer bill assistance and community support due to rising natural gas prices. The funding includes a new $10 million initiative for local nonprofits and an increase to the Neighbor-to-Neighbor program from $3 million to $6 million, allowing qualifying customers to receive up to $600 annually. SDG&E emphasizes its commitment to supporting vulnerable populations, including those experiencing financial hardships. The initiative aligns with efforts to address the financial strain on families and promote community resilience amid economic challenges.

Southern California Gas Co. (SOCGP) announced a historic $10 million funding initiative to aid customers facing financial challenges due to soaring gas prices this winter. This includes a $5 million contribution to the Gas Assistance Fund, expanding support for thousands of low-income customers. Additionally, $4 million will be dedicated to reviving the Fueling Our Communities program, which provides free meals to those in need, and $1 million will support small restaurant owners through the Restaurants Care Resilience Fund.

The company’s efforts aim to alleviate hardships exacerbated by high gas prices and inflation in Southern California.

SoCalGas announced a significant drop in natural gas prices, aligning closer to 2022 figures after unprecedented spikes in January. Contributing factors include improved weather conditions and reduced demand. The restoration of out-of-state pipeline service is poised to boost supply capacity by up to 500 million cubic feet per day. However, natural gas markets remain volatile, influenced by weather changes and ongoing maintenance updates. SoCalGas will file March procurement prices with the California Public Utilities Commission, reflecting the costs incurred for residential and business customers. Customers will see a $50.77 credit on their bills due to accelerated California Climate Credit.

SoCalGas customers will receive a one-time California Climate Credit of $50.77 due to high natural gas prices in January. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved this credit to be applied in February or March, depending on billing cycles. This acceleration comes as natural gas prices dropped significantly for February but remain higher than last year. SoCalGas emphasizes conservation and offers assistance programs to help customers manage costs. The company does not profit from increased gas prices, as they buy natural gas at market rates without markup, passing the costs to consumers directly.

The board of directors of Southern California Gas Co. declared quarterly dividends of $0.375 per share for its preferred stock, including Series A, payable on April 15, 2023. Shareholders on record as of March 10, 2023 are eligible. As the largest gas distribution utility in the U.S., SoCalGas serves 21.8 million customers across 24,000 square miles in California, focusing on renewable gas services and aiming for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. The company is a subsidiary of Sempra (NYSE: SRE).