SAFETY

The GVEA Safety Strategic Directive Team (SSDT) reviewed a peer to peer safety recognition program that was presented by a New Mexico electric cooperative at the 2022 Alaska Power Association Safety Summit. The program annually recognizes employees who exemplify an attitude of safety. The SSDT agreed to explore development of the program at GVEA.

In coordination with GVEA Power Supply Engineers and Environmental Specialists, GVEA Safety performed a comprehensive audit of the Healy Unit 1 wet ash system. The risks, hazards and inefficiencies of the operation had raised some concerns among plant personnel, managers, supervisors and Safety.

Several GVEA Fire & Safety Procedures such as Bloodborne Pathogens Control Plan, Confined Space Permit and First Aid/CPR procedures were reviewed, updated and published as current. Reviews and updates to the Fire & Safety Procedure Library will continue through 2023.

Personnel

Training

Brady Hansen with Written in Red Electrical Safety Training Solutions conducted OSHA 1910.269 and Electrical “Square-up” training classes for GVEA and contract linemen and wiremen.

Rowen Tree Training conducted annual Tower Climbing/Rescue, Tree Climbing/ Rescue, and Bucket Truck Rescue Training.

• Wasilla, Alaska based Learn to Return Training Systems provided Delayed Care Wilderness Medical Training for GVEA ROW Maintenance, Linemen and Electricians.

• GVEA employees attended and completed in-person ALICE Active Shooter Response Training. GVEA received ALICE organizational certification in October 2022.

• A Safety Leadership Workshop for GVEA executives, managers and supervisors was conducted by Bud Branham - NRECA Safety Director.

GVEA Safety conducted live Fire Extinguisher Training for all Fairbanks, Healy and North Pole employees.

▶ The GVEA Safety Department was reorganized and moved under Abby Dillard, Director of Member Services.

▶ Norm Alden was promoted from Safety Specialist to Safety Manager.

▶ Bobbie Perkins was promoted from Safety Assistant to Safety Specialist.

▶ Patti Sellner was hired as Safety Specialist - Healy Operations.

Information systems

» Addressed Log4j exploits and implemented remediation across our code base.

» Submitted information for BDO audit.

» Provided ongoing support for CIS that is being phased out in lieu of NISC.

» Spin down checklists for NISC GO Live, involving over 13 systems for Customer Care & Billing go-live and CIS planned phase out.

» Various annual reports provided to respective groups including 2021/2022 Energy Assistance and Form 8300 IRS reporting

» Information Systems completed documenting 80% of our processes and procedures in 2022.

» IT supported the NISC transition with data cuts and answered many questions on data configurations of systems that came online in January 2023.