Palomar

Palomar Energy Center Recognized by Cal/OSHA for Exemplary Safety Record

SDG&E is the First Public Gas & Electric Utility to Receive Voluntary Protection Program Star Site Certification for Excellent Safety Efforts

 

SAN DIEGO, August 14, 2018 – San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) and the Palomar Energy Center were recognized by Cal/OSHA today as a California Voluntary Protection Program (Cal/VPP) Star Site, the most prominent safety distinction bestowed by the worker protection agency. SDG&E is the first public gas and electric utility to obtain the Cal/VPP Star Site certification at one of its generation sites.

 

“This certification is a reflection of our strong commitment to safety as we aspire to become the safest energy company in America,” said Emily Shults, SDG&E vice president of energy supply. “I am very proud of the accomplishments of the employees at the Palomar Energy Center and the continuous effort they make to operate this important power resource at the highest standards of safety.”

 

Cal/VPP Star Site certification requires an employer to submit a formal application and undergo rigorous onsite evaluations by a team of OSHA and industry experts to verify that safety programs and company culture surpass average standards. The program recognizes employers and their employees who have implemented safety and health programs that effectively prevent and control occupational hazards. These programs go beyond minimal Cal/OSHA standards and provide the best feasible protection at the site.

 

Without having a recordable incident in more than 320,000 man-hours of work, the Palomar Energy Center has not only maintained these exemplary safety standards, but has fostered a sentiment of ownership and commitment in the employees at the center—exhibiting a continuous effort to find ways to make the workplace safer.

“Through the Cal/VPP program the employees of the Palomar Energy Center have implemented outstanding safety and health programs that go far above and beyond Cal/OSHA standards,” said Iraj Pourmehraban, Cal/OSHA VPP manager. “Their continuous commitment to improve workplace safety in cooperation with the Cal/OSHA VPP team has ultimately made their plant one of the safest facilities in the State of California.”

 

The Palomar Energy Center, located in Escondido, is a modern natural gas power plant owned and operated by SDG&E. The plant can generate up to 565 megawatts (MW) of power, enough electricity to power 360,000 homes. It produces about 45 percent more electricity than what an older plant could produce using the same amount of natural gas.

 

SDG&E is an innovative San Diego-based energy company that provides clean, safe and reliable energy to better the lives of the people it serves in San Diego and southern Orange counties. The company is committed to creating a sustainable future by providing around 45 percent of its electricity from renewable sources; modernizing natural gas pipelines; accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles; supporting numerous non-profit partners; and, investing in innovative technologies to ensure the reliable operation of the region’s infrastructure for generations to come. SDG&E is a subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), a Fortune 500 energy services holding company based in San Diego. For more information, visit SDGEnews.com or connect with SDG&E on Twitter (@SDGE), Instagram (@SDGE) and Facebook.