These benefits include financial planning services, excess personal liability insurance, and a charitable contribution matching program. Mr. Lane and Ms. Wagner also received an annual executive benefit program allowance of $20,000 and $30,000, respectively, which was available to coverout-of-pocket costs for health and welfare benefits as well as the cost of financial planning and excess personal liability benefits. Any unused allowance is paid out atyear-end.
None of these benefits includes a taxgross-up provision.
SEVERANCE AND CHANGE IN CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS
Our executive officers have severance pay agreements that include change in control features. The agreements do not contain excise taxgross-up provisions. Equity awards granted include a double trigger change in control provision. None of our officers has an employment agreement.
Why does the company provide severance agreements?
We believe that severance agreements, which are a prevalent market practice, are effective in:
| • | | attracting executives who are leaving an existing employer; |
| • | | mitigating legal issues upon a separation of employment; and |
| • | | retaining talent during uncertain times. |
By mitigating the adverse effects of potential job loss, severance agreements reinforce management continuity, objectivity and focus on shareholder value. This is particularly critical in actual or potential change in control situations. Payments are not required when terminations are for cause.
What benefits do severance agreements provide?
The severance agreements provide for cash payments and the continuation of certain other benefits for a limited period when:
| • | | the company terminates an executive’s employment for reasons other than cause, or |
| • | | when the executive resigns for “good reason.” |
What does resignation for “good reason” mean?
A resignation for “good reason” may occur if there is an adverse change in scope of duties or in compensation and benefit opportunities and, following a change in control of Sempra Energy, changes in employment location.
These provisions provide safeguards against arbitrary actions that effectively force an executive to resign. In order to receive some of the benefits in the agreement, the executive must comply with contractual confidentiality,non-solicitation andnon-disparagement obligations.
Do the severance agreements for the named executive officers provide for a taxgross-up to offset any taxes incurred by the executive as a result of the severance payment?
The severance agreements do not contain a taxgross-up provision.
What happens to outstanding equity awards upon certain terminations or a change in control?
Awards granted under the Sempra Energy 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan are subject to a double trigger change in control provision. Except as described below, awards do not automatically vest upon a change in control. Rather, vesting is only accelerated upon a termination of employment that meets certain conditions following a change in control of Sempra Energy, except as described below.
Restricted stock unit awards issued to date under the Sempra Energy 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan provide for continuation following a change in control of Sempra Energy through the new company’s assumption of the awards or the
25