Sempra Energy Signs New Electricity Contracts

SAN DIEGO -- - Sempra Energy Solutions, a subsidiary of Sempra Energy Global Enterprises, has announced the company has been awarded 80 megawatts (MW) in new energy service provider contracts as part of the open enrollment period held late last year for Portland General Electric (PGE) direct-access customers in Oregon.

The new customers, whose names were not disclosed, include representatives from grocery and retail chains, restaurant groups and manufacturing companies.

Many of the customers choosing Sempra Energy Solutions will save up to 10 percent over rates paid by those who chose to stay with their utility. Each new contract will span the 2004 calendar year.

Due to recent developments in Oregon's electricity restructuring process, Sempra Energy Solutions is new to the state's retail energy marketplace. Customers with average demands equal to or greater than 30 kilowatts were able to opt out of PGE service and select an alternate pricing plan during the open enrollment period Nov. 17-24.

"We look forward to providing significant savings for our customers and building on this initial success in Oregon," said Erbin Keith, president, Sempra Energy Solutions.

"This is a complex market and our accomplishments to date underscore that we have analyzed the marketplace thoroughly and priced our products effectively with the goal of providing significant savings to our customers."

Although the open enrollment period is over for 2004, large electricity customers can still take advantage of Sempra Energy Solutions' financial products at any time if they opted to participate in an alternate pricing program with Portland General.