SoCalGas is trading the utility’s blue uniforms for an updated look designed to help customers spot a real utility employee from imposters.
The updated gray uniforms will roll out Monday after reports of people posing as gas company technicians showing up at homes with bad intentions. For example, three men — one wearing a reflective vest — visited a Whittier family’s home in 2024 and tried to convince residents to allow them inside the house.
The family refused and noticed one of the men had a gun as they walked away in the encounter caught on security camera video.
Law enforcement sources told NBC4 Investigates that there have been several instances of criminals wearing utility company-type uniforms in an effort to get residents out of a home and into the backyard as accomplices enter the house to steal items.
The gray uniforms include prominent SoCalGas branding and the employee’s first name. Employees also carrying a company-issued photo identification badge and drive clearly marked SoCalGas vehicles.
“They are designed for our customers to identify our employees,” said Raul Gordillo, of SoCalGas. “There are imposters out there, and we want to make sure we have a uniform our residents and customers are able to identify right away.”
The company said customers should feel comfortable asking to see and ID badge before allowing anyone on their property.
