Eklutna, Alaska - MEA’s power plant site, the Eklutna Generation Station (EGS), has been accepted into the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) through Alaska Occupational Safety and Health (AKOSH). Approval in VPP provides official recognition of the outstanding efforts of employers and employees who have achieved exemplary occupational safety and health. EGS is currently one of seven organizations in the state to receive entry into VPP and is the first utility to receive this safety program recognition.

The process to qualify for VPP took approximately two years and included a rigorous onsite evaluation by a team of four safety and health professionals. Throughout the qualification process MEA employees, IUOE- Local302, and AKOSH worked proactively to prevent injuries, illnesses, and fatalities through a system focused on hazard prevention and control, worksite analysis, training, and management commitment and worker involvement to workplace safety.

A formal recognition ceremony was held in early July at EGS and was attended by state and local leaders as well as the Commissioner of the State of Alaska Department of Labor and Workplace Development, Dr. Tamika Ledbetter.  “This is a big deal, the entrance of MEA into the Voluntary Protection Program,” said Dr. Tamika Ledbetter at the ceremony. “Oftentimes safety is relegated to one section or one department head, but what you have shown is that safety is the responsibility of every individual that works here.”

MEA’s CEO Tony Izzo also recognized MEA employees for their hard work at the ceremony. “I have a lot of pride in the team here,” said Izzo. “This honor has been two years in the making and required a focused effort and a commitment to safety individually and as a team.”

As a VPP recipient, EGS will not be subject to random enforcement inspections for a period of two years. Safety begins in MEA’s mission statement: to provide safe reliable energy at reasonable rates with exceptional member service and commitment to the community we serve. In 2021, more than 4,900 hours were dedicated to safety training among MEA employees.

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Matanuska Electric Association, Inc., Alaska’s oldest existing and second-largest electric cooperative, is owned and operated by its 54,700 members. MEA’s manages more than 4,600 miles of power lines in Southcentral Alaska and produces power from its Eklutna Generation Station (EGS power plant).

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