“Severe damage” has been confirmed to ancillary structures, including cooling towers, communication equipment, and local power distribution lines. Calpine said it does not know if the main powerhouses (including steam turbine and generator sets) at those sites have sustained any damage. The fire also damaged some third-party transmission lines.
The company has evacuated all employees and contractors from those plants and said it is coordinating closely with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) in the event further evacuation is needed from other plants. About 300 workers and 150 contractors work at the complex in total.
“Calpine’s insurance includes coverage for wildfire risks at The Geysers. Based on preliminary information, we expect such insurance will cover costs to repair or replace our damaged facilities as well as our net revenue losses, after applicable deductibles,” the company said. “We expect our delivery obligations under power sales agreements to be excused without further obligation by reason of force majeure until repairs are completed.”
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