SoCalGas Extends Deadline For Porter Ranch Residents To Move Back Into Homes

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Southern California Gas Co. has agreed to extend the amount of time relocated Porter Ranch-area residents will have to move back into their homes once a protracted natural gas leak in the area has been fixed, the company announced Monday.

A previous agreement with the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office called for residents to move back within 48 hours, which residents and some city officials complained was not enough time. The new agreement gives residents up to eight days.

Officials say SoCalGas will continue to honor the terms of leases for those who opted for longer-term housing and for all residents relocated to apartments or single family homes, SoCalGas will reimburse moving expenses up to $500.

Relocated residents who have special circumstances such as disabilities or other special needs that may require additional arrangements and residents relocated with similar extraordinary circumstances will be considered on a case-by-case basis, officials said.

The start of the transition period will begin after the state's Division of Oil, Gas and Geothermal Resources (DOGGR) confirms that the leak has stopped, according to Gillian Wright, vice president of customer services for SoCalGas.

"After listening to the community, SoCalGas and the City Attorney's office have come to an agreement that we both believe is reasonable and will now provide residents with eight days to return to their homes," said Wright. "We are glad to offer additional time to help make relocated residents' transitions back home smoother."

SoCalGas expects to stop the leak - which began on Oct. 23, 2015, by the end of February, according to officials.