Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Category Archives: Energy

SoCalGas closes their branch payment offices to the public

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SoCalGas today announced that it has closed branch payment offices to the public and temporarily suspended some services due to COVID-19.

Customers can still pay bills in several ways:

• By dropping off payment at depository boxes at branch offices (include bill stub or account number with payment).
• Online at www.socalgas.com/pay-bill
• By phone, if paying by credit, debit card or e-check, at 1-800-427-2200
• By mail. Send bill stub with check or money order to:
SoCalGas
PO Box C
Monterey Park, CA 91756-0000

SoCalGas will continue to make essential and emergency service appointments, including reports of suspected natural gas leaks, carbon monoxide checks, gas meter turn-ons, natural gas outages and pilot re-lights. Construction projects and repair work will continue.

For now, some appliance check-ups and non-essential service calls – such as inoperative pool heaters, barbecues and fire pits – are being suspended.

SoCalGas also has suspended service disconnections until further notice. This means no customer will have their natural gas turned off due to non-payment.

For more information, go to www.socalgas.com/coronavirus.

Power lost at South Coast Plaza due to an electrical explosion

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There was an explosion in an underground vault at the South Coast Plaza this afternoon and power has been cut to all of the stores, on Black Friday of all days.

Many of the stores at South Coast Plaza have closed temporarily while power is restored.

Mall officials said the partial power outage was caused by SoCal Edison equipment affecting one area of the center, according to ABC.

Power was eventually restored.

Upcoming Santa Ana winds may result in power outages

Posted on by Posted in Energy, public works, Santa Ana, Weather Leave a comment

Strong Santa Ana winds are expected in Orange County on Thursday, October 10, 2019. The winds are expected to be widespread and peak Thursday with northeast winds of 20 to 35 mph and gusts up to 55 mph. Winds are expected to weaken slightly Friday, and then diminish Saturday, October 12, 2019.

Southern California Edison (SCE) says it is considering power cuts, in advance of the winds, to more than 106,000 customers in parts of eight counties. For a full list of cities and maps of the affected neighborhoods for the possible SCE shutoff, visit https://www.scemaintenance.com/content/sce-maintenance/en/psps.html.

Temperatures could reach into the 80s, and the humidity is expected to fall rapidly by Thursday afternoon. This means grasses and brush will be dry and quicker to burn. Watch for fallen trees, traffic signal light outages, and downed utility poles during the strong winds. To report City of Santa Ana Public Works issues, call 714-647-3380, e-mail PWADispatch@santa-ana.org, or download mySantaAna app.

You might smell natural gas in Santa Ana early on Tuesday morning

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Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas®) will be in Santa Ana performing a pipeline improvement project this week on Tuesday, July 2, 2019 from 2:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m.

To perform this pipeline improvement project safely, the operation will require a controlled release of natural gas into the atmosphere.

The controlled gas release will take place at the intersection of Chestnut Avenue and Grand Avenue.

During this time, you may smell the odor of natural gas and hear a loud, steady noise as we vent natural gas from the pipeline using safe and common techniques. Although this is normal when crews are working, we encourage anyone who has concerns about the smell of gas to call us from a safe location at 1-800-427-2200. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Your gas service should continue without interruption. If that changes, a SoCalGas representative will contact you. We apologize for any inconvenience you may experience while we perform this work and appreciate your patience and cooperation.

Santa Ana might be a bit gassy next week

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Southern California Gas Company Pipeline Inspection Project – May Trigger Gas Smell Next Week

Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas®) will be performing an In-Line Inspection (ILI) on a segment of one of our natural gas transmission pipelines. This work is part of our system-wide plan to further enhance the safety of the pipelines.

Below is important information regarding the ILI work that will take place:

Anticipated start date: May 13, 2019

Work hours: Monday – Friday: 6:00am – 6:00pm (Weather and other factors permitting)
Work area: Intersection of Chestnut Avenue and Grand Avenue
Duration of work: Approximately 5 days to complete (Weather and other factors permitting)

What to expect:

  • Full closure of Chestnut Avenue at Grand Avenue
  • SoCalGas construction vehicles and its contractors’ trucks along with heavy equipment
  • During this time you may smell natural gas and hear construction noise

This test involves performing an inline assessment of a high-pressure line, using an inspection tool. This survey is federally mandated per the Pipeline Safety Act of 2002.

At times, you may smell the odor of natural gas; although this is normal when crews are working, we encourage anyone who has concerns about the smell of gas to call SoCalGas from a safe location at 1-800-427-2200. This line is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

For more details, please visit: https://www.santa-ana.org/socalgas-pipeline-modernization-project-grand-avenue-chestnut-avenue

A fatal car accident in Costa Mesa this morning affected power lines

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Costa Mesa Police Department

Advisory: Traffic Alert: Victoria Street and Canyon Drive closed due to a fatal traffic collision

Today, Dec. 8, 2018, at about 12:26 a.m., officers and Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue (CMFR) responded to the intersection of Victoria Street and Pacific Avenue regarding a fatal traffic collision.

A single Toyota SUV appeared to hit signal pole before the vehicle struck a wooden Edison pole and then continued westbound where it struck an iron fence. CMFR pronounced the driver deceased at the scene. No identifying information will be released on the driver at this time. MAIT responded to conduct the investigation.

At this time the street closure includes Victoria Street and Canyon Drive as SoCal Edison works in the area. It is advised that you avoid the area and use alternate routes until about 1:30 p.m. or until SoCal Edison completes their work.

So. Cal. Edison’s bill assistance program helps customers in need

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Bill Assistance Program Helps Customers in Need

Money-saving, energy-conservation programs, services offered through SCE’s Energy Savings Assistance Program.

You, or someone you know, may qualify for a free replacement energy-efficient refrigerator, lighting, cooling system or various energy conservation services that can help save money on your Southern California Edison electricity bill.

Through the Energy Savings Assistance Program, income-qualified customers may be eligible for free appliances and no-cost installation. Customers may qualify based on current participation in an eligible public assistance program or their household income. Continue reading→

Public hearings regarding SCE’s request to raise our rates to be held at the Delhi Center on May 18

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City of Santa Ana

Community: California Public Utilities Commission to Hold Public Participation Hearings at Delhi Center on Thursday, May 18, 2017

SANTA ANA – The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is holding two Public Participation Hearings (PPHs) at Delhi Center on Thursday, May 18, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., to receive comments from the public about Southern California Edison Company’s (SCE’s) request to increase rates and revenue by $222 million by January 2018, an additional increase of $533 million in 2019, and $570 million in 2020.

If you have any questions, please contact the CPUC Public Advisor Office (PAO) as follows: Continue reading→

Don’t be fooled by phone callers pretending to be from So. Cal. Edison

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Don’t Let Caller ID Spoofing Hang You Up

That ‘Southern California Edison’ phone call may not be legit. 

By Susan Cox

Your telephone rings and a Southern California Edison number appears on your caller ID display.

You answer and the caller says they are affiliated with SCE and want to talk to you about solar installations or other products and services that can save you money on your electric bill. They may then ask about your electricity usage and other personal information.

Beware! This may sound like a legitimate SCE call, but it’s not. It’s a caller ID spoofing scam.

Continue reading→

SoCalGas launches a Winter Rebate Program for ecobee Smart Thermostat users

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SoCalGas Launches Winter Rebate Program for ecobee Smart Thermostat Users

Natural gas conservation program offers select customers with ecobee smart thermostats up to $50 in rebates

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Feb. 21, 2017 – Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) today announced a rebate program designed to help customers who have purchased and installed an ecobee smart thermostat conserve natural gas this winter.

The program, called the SoCalGas Advisory Thermostat Program, offers enrollees up to $50 in rebates while helping them reduce their natural gas costs for home heating. It is active now through Mar. 31 of this year. Continue reading→

Santa Ana IHOP franchisee receives SCE’s Energy Efficiency Award

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Pedro Pizarro, left, president and CEO of Edison International; José Ruiz, second from left, IHOP franchisee; Elizabeth Resendiz, center, Northgate Markets; Marco Arzola, second from right, Northgate Markets; and R.O. Nichols, right, president of SCE.

Pedro Pizarro, left, president and CEO of Edison International; José Ruiz, second from left, IHOP franchisee; Elizabeth Resendiz, center, Northgate Markets; Marco Arzola, second from right, Northgate Markets; and R.O. Nichols, right, president of SCE.

Santa Ana IHOP franchisee receives Southern California Edison’s Energy Efficiency Award

José Ruiz, president of three IHOP franchises in Santa Ana, recently received Southern California Edison’s (SCE) Energy Efficiency Award at the utility’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration.

The award recognizes energy efficiency champions that saved money while implementing products that save energy and money for their business. At the event Pedro Pizarro, president and CEO of Edison International, and R.O. Nichols, president of SCE, joined in to congratulate Ruiz during the ceremony. Continue reading→

Newest E85 station in Santa Ana to offer ethanol for 85 cents a gallon on 8/25

Posted on by Posted in Deals, Energy, Environment, Santa Ana 5 Comments

SOCAL DRIVERS CAN AVOID PAYING MOST EXPENSIVE GAS PRICES IN NATION

Newest E85 Station in Santa Ana to Offer Ethanol for 85 cents a Gallon

Pearson Fuels and the fueling-station retailer Chevron are teaming up for the grand opening of Santa Ana’s newest E85 station. To honor the occasion, E85 fuel will be sold for just 85 cents a gallon. Customers can also enjoy free food and beverages, as well as have the opportunity to learn more about E85 from a Pearson expert. In addition, Fuel Freedom Foundation representatives will be on hand to discuss the importance of fuel choice when filling up at the pump. Continue reading→

SCE to hold a briefing about residential customer rate changes, on 5/18

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SCE to Hold Briefing About Residential Customer Rate Changes

WHAT: Southern California Edison will hold a briefing to explain changes to residential customer bills. A rates expert will explain the key reasons for the changes.

WHEN: Presentation from 10-10:30 a.m., May 18. Continue reading→

Power outage at McFadden and Fairview after a jaguar slams into a power pole

Posted on by Posted in Accidents, Energy, Santa Ana 1 Comment

santa ana car accident

There is a power outage at the intersection of McFadden and Fairview until 3 pm according to Southern California Edison. Power to nearby customers has been restored.

More than 2,000 homes were left without electricity late Thursday after a driver smashed his Jaguar into multiple palm trees and then a power pole at on West Dahl Lane and South Fairview Street at high speed in Santa Ana, at around 11:37 pm, according to NBC. Continue reading→

SoCalGas rate change request public hearings to be held in Santa Ana on 5/20

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CPUC Logo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA ADVISORY
Media Contact: Christopher Chow, (415) 703-2234 Docket #s: SoCalGas: A.14-11-004; SDG&E: A.14-11-003

CPUC HOLDS PUBLIC PARTICIPATION HEARINGS ON RATE CHANGE REQUESTS OF SOCALGAS

SAN FRANCISCO, May 11, 2015 – The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will hold two Public Participation Hearings regarding proposed rate change requests of Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) next Wednesday, May 20, 2015 in Santa Ana.

The public hearings will be conducted in two sessions, scheduled for 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. on May 20th. They will be held at the Santa Ana City Hall Council Chambers, 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701. Continue reading→