Chugach Electric earns safety accreditation

Chugach Electric Association earned safety accreditation through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) March 30, 2004. NRECA's Rural Electric Safety Accreditation Program promotes safety and loss control as a high-priority goal for electric utility management.

Chugach scored an overall accreditation score of 90 percent after comprehensive on-site facility and document reviews. NRECA reviewed Chugach's safety training, including hazard communication, pole top rescue, CPR and first aid and its injury reporting system. In addition the NRECA field observation team reviewed Chugach's fire protection plan, evacuation program and personal protective equipment procedures that include the use of hard hats, hearing protection and safety glasses. NRECA also reviewed Chugach's line inspection programs, right of way maintenance and vehicle maintenance programs.

Joe Griffith, Chugach's Chief Executive Officer said, "Obtaining the safety accreditation was an important goal for Chugach. Safety is critical in Chugach's workplace environment every day and I would like to compliment the employees for a job that was extremely well done."

Chugach is the largest electric utility in Alaska, providing power for Alaskans throughout the Railbelt through retail, wholesale and economy energy sales.