SAN DIEGO, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Edison
Electric Institute (EEI) today named San Diego Gas & Electric
(SDG&E) the winner of the 2018 Edison Award, the electric power
industry's most prestigious and coveted honor. Recognized for its
work to enhance grid resiliency, SDG&E was presented with the
90th Edison Award among a group of distinguished
finalists known for their industry leadership, innovation and
excellence in the global energy industry.
Nearly a decade ago, SDG&E started aggressive efforts to
combat climate change and enhance power grid resiliency. Rising
temperatures, prolonged drought conditions, and severe weather
patterns presented new challenges including devastating wildfires.
SDG&E made significant strategic investments to help strengthen
the power grid, increase situational awareness and create operating
protocols that have helped enhance the region's ability to respond
to wildfires.
"As part of our commitment to regional safety, we developed one
of the most comprehensive and robust fire risk mitigation programs
in the industry designed to help protect infrastructure and the
communities we serve," said Scott
Drury, president of SDG&E. "We made one bold decision
after another, and collaborated with public and private sectors,
academia and government agencies to address climate change in new,
innovative ways."
Watch SDG&E's Award Submission Video here
It's been 77 years since SDG&E was honored with the
respected Edison Award. In 1941, SDG&E was recognized for its
impressive performance in meeting greatly increased industrial and
defense electric demand while serving a large and rapidly growing
population. A seventy-one percent increase in industrial energy
demand was met without interruption of service.
"SDG&E is a committed and innovative partner in our
widespread efforts to address the threat of wildfires," said
San Diego County Supervisor
Ron Roberts. "I want to congratulate
the company and its dedicated workforce for being recognized with
this incredible honor from the Edison Electric Institute."
EEI is the association that represents all U.S. investor-owned
electric companies. Members provide electricity to about 220
million Americans, and operate in all 50 states and the
District of Columbia. The electric
power industry supports more than 7 million jobs in communities
across America. Additionally, EEI has more than 60 international
electric companies, with operations in more than 90 countries
across the globe.
"The steps taken by SDGE to improve fire safety in San Diego county have undoubtedly had a
positive impact on the region," said Fire Chief Mecham,
San Diego County Fire Authority.
"Their efforts over the last decade show a true commitment to the
customers that they serve and solidifies their position as a leader
in the electric industry."
SDG&E's wildfire risk mitigation program has helped protect
lives, homes and property from the threat of wildfire throughout
the region. With a long-standing commitment to safety, SDG&E
will continue to collaborate with various agencies and partners to
build upon the foundation that helped create a resilient power
grid. In doing so, SDG&E is helping to create a sustainable
future for its customers who rely on them every day to power their
lives.
Learn more about SDG&E's commitment to safety on the
Wildfire Preparedness page of SDG&E's NewsCenter.
SDG&E is an innovative San
Diego-based energy company that provides clean, safe and
reliable energy to better the lives of the people it serves in
San Diego and southern
Orange counties. The company is
committed to creating a sustainable future by providing around 45
percent of its electricity from renewable sources; modernizing
natural gas pipelines; accelerating the adoption of electric
vehicles; supporting numerous non-profit partners; and, investing
in innovative technologies to ensure the reliable operation of the
region's infrastructure for generations to come. SDG&E is a
subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), a Fortune 500 energy
services holding company based in San
Diego. For more information, visit SDGEnews.com or connect
with SDG&E on Twitter (@SDGE), Instagram (@SDGE) and
Facebook.
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SOURCE SDG&E