With over 20 years of history Contact Energy has built a flexible and largely renewable portfolio of electricity generation assets.
With over 20 years of history Contact Energy has built a flexible and largely renewable portfolio of electricity generation assets. Contact owns and operates 11 power stations, produces 80-85% of their electricity from renewable hydro and geothermal stations, and has natural gas and diesel fired power stations to help keep the lights on when renewable energy like hydro and wind plant can’t operate.
Safety is a top priority at Contact. They strive for zero harm and place the wellbeing of their employees, contractors, customers, the public, and the communities in which they operate, front of mind in everything they do, so everyone gets home safely.
Contact Energy has used
Gallagher Access Control Systems for over 18 years. Originally, two of their generation sites had the system installed, and now all nine power stations, two corporate offices and two call centres have the latest version, with further updates coming later in the year. It’s part of their commitment to provide all members of staff with a safe and secure work environment.
Lee Paterson, Contact Energy’s Technical Lead says “the Gallagher system offers a huge range of safety features. The most critical one for us, is how quickly it allows us to respond to an evacuation. Having a quick and easy process makes all the difference.
“It could take 20 minutes or more to locate everyone using a physical tag board, but with the system’s visitor management capability, we can account for every person on site within a few minutes and make sure everyone gets out of the site safely. We can’t afford to take the risk of not knowing where people are.”
“Another useful feature” says Lee is “being able to link access to competencies or qualifications. This adds an extra layer of safety as it ensures that only employees qualified to enter specific areas are granted access.”
Contact is also using camera integration, which came in handy recently when someone jumped a fence at one of their sites. The camera was able to show exactly where the breach was occurring. As a matter of course, cameras pan to the gate when someone badges their access card. This comes up on a screen at the Command Centre so security personnel can see who’s entering.
Lee says that Contact appreciates how Gallagher updates the system regularly.
“We’re really happy with the service and support we receive from Gallagher. It’s exceptional. They’re committed to delivering best in class solutions, and keeping their customers up-to-date. It’s a great relationship where we’re working together to minimise risk and getting our people home safely.