CCC   PPPPP   U    U    CCC       N    N  EEEEE  W  W  W   SSS
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C       PPPPP   U    U  C           N N  N  EEE    W W W W   SSS
C       P       U    U  C           N  N N  E      WW   WW      S
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CONTACT: Kyle DeVine             December 9, 1996   CPUC - 565
         213-897-4225                             (Res. G-3198)

           CPUC APPROVES REFUND FOR SDG&E CUSTOMERS

    The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) today
approved a plan for San Diego Gas and Electric Company (SDG&E)
to refund revenues it overcollected for purchasing gas and a
refund it received from its gas supplier, El Paso Natural Gas
Company.
    The total amount to be refunded is $12 million and will be
refunded to SDG&E customers beginning in January through a one
time credit on their bills.  Credits customers receive will be
based on their gas use.  Residential customers will see an
average credit of $6.70.
    The revenues SDG&E collected to purchase gas were based on
a forecast of what gas would costs and ended up being an
overcollection because the forecast were higher than costs.

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