Sempra Energy

The utility company and its two California utilities, Southern California Gas Co. and San Diego Gas & Electric have entered into a settlement agreement to resolve claims in several class action lawsuits related to the Western U.S. energy crisis of 2000 and 2001. Sempra Energy has agreed to pay a $377 million cash settlement. The money will go to representatives of natural gas and electric utility ratepayers in California, the cities of Los Angeles and Long Beach, and the Attorney General of the State of Nevada. (Jan-04-06) [SEMPRA PRESS RELEASE]