Employees at Tenaska Lindsay Hill, Central Alabama Plants Honored with Nation’s Highest Safety Designation

BILLINGSLEY, Alabama – Employees at Tenaska Lindsay Hill Generating Station and Tenaska Central Alabama Generating Station, both near Billingsley, have been honored with the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Star, the nation’s highest safety designation. This prestigious recognition is conferred by the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). 

“The employees at Lindsay Hill and Central Alabama have a strong commitment to workplace safety. It is an important part of the culture and helps to ensure that employees return home safely at the end of the day and that the community remains protected from potential hazards,” said Tenaska CEO and Vice Chairman Jerry Crouse. “We are very proud of this achievement.” 

Crouse spoke Wednesday at a celebratory luncheon held in recognition of the plants’ 49 employees. Approximately 85 people were in attendance. 

The pair of natural gas-fueled power plants is among 2,150 U.S. worksites and 34 Alabama worksites to achieve the VPP Star. The VPP process includes a rigorous evaluation of a facility’s safety protocols and often takes years to complete. 

“Achieving ‘Star’ status under OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program is a significant accomplishment and recognizes the efforts of employees and company leadership in creating and maintaining an outstanding safety and health program,” said OSHA Mobile Assistant Area Director Heather Sanders. “Your approval into the VPP is OSHA’s official recognition of the efforts of your team and your commitment to preventing workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities.” 

In addition to the VPP Star designation, employees at the plants have been recognized with a combined total of 76 National Safety Council Awards since 2003.  

Plant Manager Robert Threlkeld said: “Our employees demonstrate a strong commitment to safety. They continue to develop innovative programs and training to enhance safety in the workplace. It is rewarding to see them recognized for their efforts.” 

The Tenaska Lindsay Hill and Tenaska Central Alabama plants produce electricity for sale to Mercuria Energy America, Inc. and Shell Energy North America (US), L.P., respectively.  

The plants are two of Autauga County’s largest taxpayers, contributing approximately $30.8 million combined in property taxes through 2019. The plants inject approximately $13.6 million in salaries and payments to local contractors and vendors into the area economy each year.  

The Tenaska Lindsay Hill plant is owned by Tenaska Alabama Partners, comprised of affiliates of Tenaska and Diamond Generating Corporation. Tenaska Alabama II Partners, comprised of affiliates of Tenaska, Tyr Energy, Inc. and JERA Co., Inc, owns the Tenaska Central Alabama plant. 

About Tenaska Alabama Partners, L.P. and Tenaska Alabama II Partners, L.P.

Tenaska, an energy company based in Omaha, Nebraska, formed Tenaska Alabama Partners, L.P. to build, own and operate the Tenaska Lindsay Hill Generating Station. Today, Tenaska Alabama Partners is comprised of affiliates of Tenaska and Diamond Generating Corporation. Tenaska formed Tenaska Alabama II Partners, L.P. to build, own and operate the Tenaska Central Alabama Generating Station. Tenaska Alabama II Partners is comprised of affiliates of Tenaska, Tyr Energy, Inc. and JERA Co., Inc. Affiliates of Tenaska serves as the managing partners and operators.

About Tenaska

Tenaska, based in Omaha, Nebraska, is one of the leading independent energy companies in the United States. Forbes magazine consistently ranks Tenaska among the 50 largest private U.S. companies. Gross operating revenues were approximately $12 billion in 2018.

Tenaska has developed more than 10,000 megawatts (MW) of natural gas-fueled and renewable power projects. Tenaska and its affiliates have managed the acquisition of approximately 10,750 MW of energy assets. The current Tenaska operating fleet includes 11 natural gas-fueled and renewable power plants able to generate approximately 8,000 MW combined.

Tenaska affiliates are industry leaders in natural gas and electric power marketing. Tenaska Marketing Ventures (TMV) is among the top five largest natural gas marketers in North America and is the top-ranked natural gas pipeline capacity trader. During 2019, TMV sold or managed 10.7 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of natural gas per day. Tenaska Power Services Co. is the leading provider of energy management services to generation and demand-side customers in the U.S., with more third party-owned generation under management than any other provider.
For more information, visit  www.tenaska.com or follow the company on LinkedIn and Facebook.