This report, from theme 3 researchers on the PROTECT NCS, describes the application of epidemiological and mathematical modelling to investigate factors influencing infection and transmission in the electricity generating sector using an extensive and detailed database of COVID-19 workforce test results complied by one large generating company. Electricity generation is part of the national critical infrastructure and has been required to keep operating throughout the pandemic.

The researchers’ findings include the following:

• First, there were no differences in the risk of infection between job groups, although there were differences in infection risk between (geographically) different power generation sites. This was despite the fact that a contact survey suggested that there were differences in contact patterns between workers with different roles, responsibilities and working patterns.
• Second, data on infections suggest that the two power plants included in more detailed analyses experienced a somewhat larger epidemic wave during the autumn of 2020 compared to the nearby community. However, this was followed by relatively low
  reported infection rates during the subsequent community wave in January-February 2021. Overall and taking under-reporting of infections into consideration, infections at these two power plants during 2021 were broadly similar to those in the nearby community with only a minority of workforce infections acquired on-plant.
• Third, the risk mitigation measures introduced by the company, which included testing, contract tracing and isolation, remote working and mandatory use of face coverings, were effective in reducing the number of workplace acquired infections.

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