MEA's Generation Manager given prestigious industry appointment

The Manx Electricity Authority’s Generation Manager, Alan Cubbon, has been elected as Deputy President of the Institution of Diesel and Gas Turbine Engineers.

Born and educated in the Isle of Man, Alan has been a member of the IDGTE, since 2003. The Institution is a leading independent professional body for power engineers, which plays a key role in training, developing and representing the industry. It is a registered company and charity in the UK and Alan is also a Director and Trustee.

Alan said: ‘I am honoured to have been elected as Deputy President of the institution and appreciate all the support I have received from both fellow members and my employer over the years. It is a prestigious position and one which I hope to fulfil to the best of my abilities.’

Alan started his career as an apprentice craftsman with Douglas Corporation’s Electricity Department in 1982 after which he was appointed Mechanical Craftsman. He then joined the Manx Electricity Authority when it was formed in 1984, during which time he has been Shift Charge Engineer, Control Engineer and Operations Manager before his promotion to Generation Manager.

Throughout this time Alan has been responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Island’s three diesel power stations in Ramsey, Pulrose and Peel, the Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) station at Pulrose and the Sulby Hydro Station, which have a combined overall capacity of 171MW. The CCGT plant has a nominal capacity of 80MW, which is enough to supply the Island’s entire requirements most of the time, apart from at peak periods during the winter months where small additional inputs are needed.

Alan was also responsible for the integration of the 40MW diesel power station at Peel into the Island system and for the operation of the 67MW interconnecting cable between IOM and UK, which facilitates both imports and exports of power and services. His current role is heavily focused on the efficiency and reliable operation of the CCGT plant, as well as being involved in strategic, managerial and operational decisions.

Chief Executive of the MEA, Philip King, said: ‘The IDGTE is a high-profile organisation within our industry and this achievement recognises Alan’s advanced level of knowledge and experience and the regard in which he is held by his fellow professionals. The position of Deputy President is normally held for up to 24 months, then nomination and subsequent election as President is normally sought. No doubt Alan will dedicate himself to this role as he has dedicated himself to his various roles within the MEA and we will of course offer him our continued support in any way we can.’