
Calpine is a leading independent power producer in North America, with a diverse portfolio of natural gas-fired and renewable power plants.
Founded in 1984, Calpine has grown into one of the largest independent power producers in the US.
Calpine's power plants generate enough electricity to power over 20 million homes.
Calpine's portfolio includes a mix of natural gas-fired and renewable power plants, with a focus on low-emission energy sources.
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Executive Committee
The Executive Committee at Calpine Corporation is led by Andrew Novotny, who serves as the CEO. He took on this role on September 30, 2024.
Zamir Rauf has been the Director of Finance/CFO since November 30, 2008, at the age of 65. He's been with the company for over 14 years.
Hether Benjamin-Brown is the Chief Administrative Officer, but her age and date of birth are not publicly available. She started her role on May 20, 2014.
Kevin George McMahon is the Compliance Officer, and he's 57 years old. He began working at Calpine on July 31, 2009.
Steven Schleimer is the General Counsel, but his age and date of birth are not publicly available. He started his role on December 31, 2013.
Here is a list of the Executive Committee members:
- Andrew Novotny - CEO
- Zamir Rauf - Director of Finance/CFO
- Hether Benjamin-Brown - Chief Administrative Officer
- Kevin George McMahon - Compliance Officer
- Steven Schleimer - General Counsel
Financials and Compensation
Calpine's CEO, Robert May, received $4.18 million in total compensation in 2007, ranking 24th in the Utilities industry and 322nd among all CEOs in the United States.
The company's financial history is marked by significant legislation passed in response to energy crises, making domestic energy production a lucrative enterprise.
In 1984, Calpine was born with an initial capital of just $1 million, thanks to an investment arrangement between Peter Cartwright and his co-workers, the Guy F. Atkinson Construction Company, and the Electrowatt corporation.
Projects and Operations
Calpine has a range of energy storage projects that span various technologies, including electrochemical, electromechanical, thermal, and hydrogen storage.
The company's energy storage projects aim to provide a more stable and efficient energy supply.
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Calpine's energy storage projects are part of a larger effort to modernize the energy infrastructure.
Here are some of the power projects sponsored by Calpine:
- Operational Power Plants
- Power plants Under Development
- Lawrence Energy Center: Calpine had plans to build and operate a natural gas plant in Hanging Rock, Ohio, but it was changed to an IGCC coal plant, although the project appears to have been abandoned.
Group Companies
Group Companies play a crucial role in the energy sector, and Calpine Corporation is no exception. Let's take a closer look at some of its notable group companies.
Nova Power LLC operates as an acquisition vehicle, based in West Linn, OR. Its parent company, Calpine Corporation, is a well-established player in the industry.
Calpine Energy Solutions LLC is a retail energy marketer that supplies natural gas and power. The company offers commodity products and services, like powerfolio 3D, online energy analyzer, and market reports, from its headquarters in San Diego, CA.
Geysers Power Co. LLC is a geothermal power producer, headquartered in TX. Its focus on renewable energy sources makes it an attractive player in the sector.
RockGen Energy LLC is a natural gas power plant, based in Greenwich, CT. Acquired by Dairyland Power Cooperative in 2021, it has been a part of the group's operations ever since.
Garrison Energy Center LLC generates electricity from natural gas and geothermal resources, located in the US. As part of Calpine Corp., it contributes to the group's diversified energy portfolio.
Here are the group companies mentioned, along with their categories and sectors:
Power Projects Sponsored
Calpine Corp has a diverse range of power projects in operation and development.
Operational power plants are a key part of Calpine's portfolio. These plants are up and running, generating electricity for the grid.
Power plants under development are also an important area of focus for Calpine. These projects are still in the works, but they have the potential to significantly increase the company's energy output.
The Lawrence Energy Center is a notable example of a power project that was planned but ultimately abandoned. Calpine had initially planned to build a natural gas plant in Hanging Rock, Ohio, but later changed course to develop an IGCC coal plant.
News and Media

Calpine Corporation has been in the news lately, with various articles and press releases shedding light on the company's activities.
The company's financial dealings have been a topic of interest, with a consortium led by Energy Capital Partners completing the acquisition of Calpine Corporation in March 2018.
In December 2017, Calpine Corporation announced the closings of its senior secured notes offering and term loan facility.
The company's stockholders approved the acquisition by the investor consortium led by Energy Capital Partners in December 2017.
Calpine Corporation has also made headlines for its nuclear reactors, which face an uphill challenge despite lower emissions.
The company has been involved in various business deals, including the acquisition of GenOn in a $1.7 billion stock deal in 2012.
Here are some key dates related to Calpine Corporation's news and media appearances:
History and Background
Calpine's history is a story of rapid growth and expansion. The company was founded to provide management services for independent energy companies in 1984.
The company's first power production was achieved in 1988, marking a significant milestone in its development. By 1992, Calpine's assets had grown to $21 billion.
Calpine's capacity increased significantly in the mid-1990s, reaching 141 MW in 1994. This was followed by a major initial public offering (IPO) in 1996, which made Calpine the largest IPO ever for an independent energy company.
Here are some key milestones in Calpine's history:
- 1984: provider of management services for independent energy companies
- 1988: first power production
- 1992: assets of $21 billion
- 1994: 141 MW capacity
- 1996: largest IPO ever for an independent energy company
- 1997: purchase of Montis Niger natural gas fields and pipelines in the Sacramento Valley
- 1998: purchased 45 gas turbine power plants
- 1999: purchased 18 gas turbine power plants
- 1999: purchase of Houston's Sheridan Energy, a gas exploration and production company
- 1999: acquired PG&E's plants at The Geysers, making Calpine the world's largest geothermal provider
- 2000: 3,355 MW capacity from 58 facilities
- 2001: purchase of first European facility in the United Kingdom
- 2001: a US$17 billion four-year growth drive with about 50% financing scaled back in face of economic downturn
- 2001: world's ninth largest electricity producer
- 2001: stock price exceeds US$50.00 per share
- 2002: 13,000 MW capacity
- 2004: 22,000 MW capacity; 89 energy centers in 21 states, Canada, and the UK
- 2005: December 20: Calpine files bankruptcy, US$22 billion in debt
- 2008: On January 31, 2008, Calpine emerges from bankruptcy
By 2004, Calpine had grown to become one of the largest energy companies in the world, with 22,000 MW capacity and 89 energy centers across 21 states, Canada, and the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Calpine get bought out?
Yes, Calpine was acquired by Constellation Energy in a deal worth $16.4 billion. The acquisition was announced on a Friday by the two energy companies.
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