SAN DIEGO, July 20, 2009 – Sempra Generation’s El Dorado Energy power plant in Boulder City, Nev., has earned the prestigious “Voluntary Protection Programs Star” work site designation from the Nevada Division of Industrial Relations, Occupational Safety and Health Administration.  El Dorado Energy is only the second power plant in the state to receive the agency’s highest recognition for exemplary safety performance.
 
        “The team at El Dorado Energy has put together a strong and effective safety and health management system, significantly improving the safety procedure and processes for employees,” said Steve Coffield, Voluntary Protection Program coordinator for the Nevada Division of Industrial Relations, Occupational Safety and Health Administration.  “Of the thousands of businesses in Nevada, El Dorado Energy is only the ninth business to earn this prestigious designation.”
  
        El Dorado Energy is a highly efficient, combined-cycle natural gas-fueled power plant.  It utilizes sophisticated air emissions control technology, making it one of the cleanest power plants in the nation.  El Dorado Energy began operations in 2000 and generates 480 megawatts of electricity – enough to power more than 300,000 homes.

        “Being recognized as one of only nine companies in Nevada for our safety performance is a high honor and a testament to our commitment to the health and safety of our employees and the community,” said Kevin Gillespie, El Dorado Energy power plant manager.  “This accomplishment is a reflection of the cooperation and teamwork of our employees and the Nevada Division of Industrial Relations, Occupational Safety & Health Administration.”
 
        The Nevada Division of Industrial Relations, Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Voluntary Protection Programs promotes partnerships with work sites that demonstrate excellence in safety and health.  Voluntary Protection Programs’ work sites strive to achieve employee protection that goes above and beyond the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s standards.
 
        More information about the Voluntary Protection Program can be found at: http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/vpp/index.html.
 
        Sempra Generation operates and maintains a fleet of power plants serving the U.S. market and is in the process of developing solar and wind power projects in the Pacific Southwest.  The company operates El Dorado Energy Solar in Boulder City, Nev., the largest thin-film solar power facility in North America.  Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), based in San Diego, is a Fortune 500 energy services holding company with 2008 revenues of nearly $11 billion.  The Sempra Energy companies’ 13,600 employees serve more than 29 million consumers worldwide.

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