RRI Energy's Ormond Beach Generating Station Earns Cal OSHA VPP Star Staus

Congratulations to the Ormond Beach team for earning the CAL
OSHA VPP Star designation. A June 30 celebration was held
at the station commemorating the occasion. Pictured from left to right
from RRI Energy are Matt Greek, Dick Dusenbury, Matt Pistner,
John Mihatov, Kevin Kirby, Mark Jacobs, Bill Probasco, Amir Noori
and Eric Portilla.

HOUSTON − July 9, 2009 − RRI Energy's Ormond Beach Generating Station in Oxnard, Calif., has been certified and designated by the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal OSHA) as an OSHA Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Star site.

VPP Star status is the highest VPP designation awarded by OSHA. It is only given to sites which meet the rigorous standards set by the agency and verified by experts during on-site inspections. Facilities such as RRI's Ormond Beach station that have earned VPP Star status achieve injury and illness rates below the national average for their respective industries and have demonstrated to OSHA that their safety and health management systems are exemplary. In addition, Star participants commit to a process of continuous safety improvements that will lead to an even safer work environment.

"This is a major accomplishment in safety management and performance and confirms the commitment that the Ormond Beach team has made to protect every member of our team," said Mark Jacobs, RRI Energy president and CEO. "The level of commitment to safety represented by this accomplishment is consistent with our 'Zero Accident Culture,' the priority we have for safety across the organization. The goal of RRI's safety and health program is to ensure that no one is injured on the job."

In a letter of commendation, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said, "Both your management team and employees deserve a big hand for creating a 'Zero Accident Culture.' Your partnership sets a great example for others in the industry, and you have my gratitude for your leadership."

Of the seven million private industries in the country, only 1,100 are approved for the Voluntary Protection Program, and RRI's Ormond Beach Generating Station is the 76th recognized facility in California.

"The Star designation emphasizes personal and team safety responsibility, helping to ensure the safety of the 47 employees here," said Ormond Beach General Manager John Mihatov. "This is a clear demonstration of the team's unyielding commitment to each other's safety."

Iraj Pourmehraban, OSHA VPP manager for the state of California said, "Achieving Star status is truly a challenge. Considering the significant complexity and potential hazards that exist at a natural gas-fueled power plant, the RRI Energy Ormond Beach team is to be congratulated."

Ormond Beach Generating Station is located approximately 60 miles north of Los Angeles. The station, which began commercial operation in 1971, is the oldest generating facility in California to received Star status. Its two power generating units have a combined capacity of 1,516 megawatts, more than any other power generating facility currently recognized as a VPP Star in California. The units are fueled by natural gas, equipped with nitrogen oxide reduction equipment and provide reliable power to the California marketplace.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to promote the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov; or in California, www.dir.ca.gov.