SAN DIEGO, Feb. 13, 2009 – Sempra Generation’s Mesquite Power plant in Arlington, Ariz., has been recognized as the first power plant in the state to receive the “Voluntary Protection Programs Star” work site designation from the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health.  The award is the agency’s highest recognition for exemplary safety performance.
 
        “The quality of Mesquite Power’s safety and health program is outstanding,” Darin Perkins, director of the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health, said. “Proof of this lies in their low injury and lost workday rates that resulted from the implementation of effective training systems and safety communications programs designed to protect their employees.”
 
        Perkins presented the Voluntary Protection Programs Star award flag and a plaque to Mesquite Power at a ceremony at Mesquite Power Feb. 10.

        Mesquite Power is the largest power plant in Sempra Generation’s southwestern fleet of clean, highly efficient, combined-cycle natural gas-fueled power plants.  Mesquite Power began operations in 2003 and generates 1,250 megawatts of electricity. 
 
        “This designation is a testament to our commitment to the health and safety of our employees and the community,” said Bob Ellis, Mesquite Power plant manager.  “It is the result of the teamwork and cooperation of our staff, management and the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety & Health.  Of the millions of work sites in the United States, only 2,000 have earned Star status.  We are very proud of this achievement.”
 
        The Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health’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.ica.state.az.us/Divisions/osha/voluntary_protection_program.html.
 
        Sempra Generation operates and maintains a fleet of power plants serving the U.S. market and is in the process of developing a solar and wind power projects in the Pacific Southwest.  Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), based in San Diego, is a Fortune 500 energy services holding company with 2007 revenues of more than $11 billion.  The Sempra Energy companies’ 13,600 employees serve more than 24 million consumers worldwide.

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