SDG&E Becomes First California Utility to Achieve Top Safety Honors with CAL/OSHA VPP Certification

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SDG&E has made history by becoming the first California utility to receive the prestigious Cal/OSHA Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) safety certification at its Kearny Mesa facility. This recognition, the highest safety honor offered by California's occupational safety division, comes after a rigorous five-year evaluation process.

The facility, which serves as the backbone of SDG&E's regional electrical operations, demonstrated exceptional workplace safety practices, employee engagement, and injury prevention measures. The site also houses a 30-megawatt battery energy storage system, showcasing the company's commitment to innovation and reliability.

Key achievements highlighted by Cal/OSHA include innovative safety initiatives such as hazard reporting tools, ergonomic equipment upgrades, and employee-led safety briefings. The certification process evaluated the company's comprehensive training programs, proactive hazard prevention culture, and overall safety management systems, all of which exceeded standard regulatory requirements.

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) announced today that its Kearny Mesa facility, the backbone of its regional electrical operations, has been awarded the prestigious California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) safety certification. SDG&E is the first utility in the state to earn this recognition for excellence in workplace safety and health management.

SDG&E is the first utility in the state to earn this recognition for excellence in workplace safety & health management.

The Cal/OSHA VPP designation is the highest safety recognition offered by the nation's largest state-run division of occupational safety and health. It is reserved for organizations that demonstrate exemplary safety practices, employee engagement and injury prevention measures, exceeding standard regulatory requirements.

"Earning the VPP recognition highlights our profound commitment to a high-performance culture grounded in safety that not only protects but also inspires innovation and excellence across our organization," said SDG&E's Chief Operations Officer and Chief Safety Officer Kevin Geraghty. "This award isn't just a plaque on the wall; it reflects our shared values and relentless focus on protecting each other and the communities we serve."

SDG&E's Kearny Mesa team achieved this distinction after a rigorous five-year evaluation process, showcasing leading-edge safety protocols, comprehensive training programs and a proactive culture of hazard prevention. This achievement was made possible by the determination and collective effort of every employee who embraced a mindset of safety and excellence.

Located in central San Diego, the facility also hosts one of SDG&E's newest 30-megawatt battery energy storage systems, driving innovation and reliability with a goal of seamless power distribution.

Cal/OSHA representatives commended the Kearny Mesa office for its innovative safety initiatives, including hazard reporting tools, ergonomic equipment upgrades and employee-led safety briefings that empower workers to identify and resolve risks.

"We are thrilled to celebrate SDG&E's VPP certification, marking a significant milestone as the first utility in California to earn this honor," said Cal/OSHA VPP Manager Iraj Pourmehraban. "This achievement highlights their dedication to creating a world-class safe and healthy work environment."

SDG&E's pursuit of the VPP certification aligns with its broader safety strategy, which includes annual investments in cutting-edge training simulations, AI-powered risk analytics, and partnerships with local emergency responders.

About SDG&E
SDG&E is an innovative energy delivery 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 increasing energy delivered from low or zero-carbon sources; accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles; and investing in innovative technologies to ensure the reliable operation of the region's infrastructure for generations to come. SDG&E is a recognized leader in its industry and community, as demonstrated by being named Corporate Partner of the Year at the San Diego Business Journal's Nonprofit & Corporate Citizenship Awards and receiving PA Consulting's ReliabilityOne^® Award for Outstanding Reliability Performance for 18 consecutive years. SDG&E is a subsidiary of Sempra (NYSE: SRE), a leading North American energy infrastructure company. For more information, visit SDGEtoday.com or connect with SDG&E on social media @SDGE.

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SOURCE San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E)

FAQ

What significance does the Cal/OSHA VPP certification have for SDG&E's operations?

The certification represents the highest safety recognition in California, demonstrating SDG&E's exceptional workplace safety practices and health management systems that exceed standard regulatory requirements.

How long did it take SDG&E to achieve the VPP certification?

SDG&E underwent a rigorous five-year evaluation process before achieving the VPP certification at its Kearny Mesa facility.

What safety initiatives contributed to SDG&E's VPP certification?

SDG&E implemented hazard reporting tools, ergonomic equipment upgrades, employee-led safety briefings, and AI-powered risk analytics, along with partnerships with local emergency responders.

What energy storage capabilities does SDG&E's Kearny Mesa facility have?

The Kearny Mesa facility houses one of SDG&E's newest 30-megawatt battery energy storage systems, supporting power distribution reliability.

Why is SDG&E's VPP certification historically significant?

SDG&E is the first utility in California to receive this prestigious Cal/OSHA VPP safety certification, marking a milestone in the utility industry's safety standards.