High Tech High, SDG&E Create Living Classroom at 'Green' Charter School

SAN DIEGO, CA, Mar 24 (MARKET WIRE) --
At the charter school's grand opening today, High Tech High Chula Vista
and San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) showcased how the sustainable design
of the school itself will be used as a living classroom on renewable
energy. SDG&E owns the school's rooftop solar panels, installed by
HelioPower, which provide locally generated power to the school and the
community.

"This solar system marks a milestone for SDG&E, because, with its
installation, we now have more than 1 megawatt of solar-generating
capability on the rooftops of 10 highly energy-efficient commercial
buildings throughout San Diego County," said Hal D. Snyder, vice president
of customer solutions for SDG&E. "The project at High Tech High is the
third largest solar system in Chula Vista and will support nearly
two-thirds of the school's energy use."

High Tech High Chula Vista is the first school in San Diego County to
register for the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED) for Schools Certification, the nationally
accepted certification for high performance green buildings.

"Our entire learning community is thrilled to be on our brand-new campus,
where teachers will use the sustainable features of the building and the
grounds as teaching tools on a daily basis -- like a living classroom,"
said Colleen Green, director of High Tech High Chula Vista. "Students are
taking advantage of the space to create beautiful projects. We hope that
as our students and staff continue their work, High Tech High Chula Vista
becomes a learning tool for others in the South Bay, including educators,
students and community members alike."

The school currently has 300 students enrolled and, at full capacity, will
host 600 students. It is one of five such charter high schools in San
Diego County.

Other clean-energy features at High Tech High Chula Vista include
high-efficiency lighting, recycled building materials, water-saving
measures and drought-resistant landscape. The school is 37-percent more
energy-efficient than required by California building codes, which is
expected to translate to a savings of 155,000 kilowatt hours annually --
the equivalent of removing 108 tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
each year.

Since 2000, SDG&E has worked with High Tech High to design
energy-efficient schools. The utility specializes in energy efficiency
and sustainability programs for new commercial construction, providing
cash incentives and technical assistance to builders wanting to build
energy-efficient buildings. High Tech High is one of 23 energy-efficient
projects on which SDG&E has collaborated. The school will receive an
incentive check for more than $46,000 for its energy-saving measures.

"We are very proud to have participated in the High Tech High solar
electricity system with SDG&E," said Steve LoRusso, vice president of
sales for HelioPower. "SDG&E is a forward-thinking utility with a great
commitment to green energy. This project is a stand-out example of how
solar photovoltaic technology fits into a larger, green building program.
In teaching students now about the benefits of renewable energy it also
contributes to solar awareness in future generations."

HelioPower is a leading sustainable energy integration firm. With
California offices in Murrieta, Sacramento, and Berkeley, HelioPower
designs and installs renewable energy systems, in particular solar
photovoltaic technology, for residential and commercial clients throughout
California and Nevada. To reach HelioPower call 1 87 SOLAR 888 toll free
or visit www.HelioPower.com.

High Tech High Chula Vista is located at 1945 Discovery Falls Dr., Chula
Vista, CA, 92115. For more information on the school call (619) 591-2100
or visit www.hightechhigh.org/schools/HTHCV.

SDG&E is a regulated public utility that provides safe and reliable energy
service to 3.4 million consumers through 1.4 million electric meters and
more than 840,000 natural gas meters in San Diego and southern Orange
counties. The utility's area spans 4,100 square miles. Exceptional
customer service is a priority of SDG&E as it seeks to enhance the
region's quality of life. SDG&E is a subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE:
SRE), a Fortune 500 energy services holding company based in San Diego.

Media Contact:
April Bolduc
San Diego Gas & Electric
(877) 866-2066
www.sdge.com

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