The Bayview Energy Center began commercial operations in 1963.  Calpine acquired the plant in 2010 as part of its purchase of the Conectiv Energy assets.  These units are black-start capable, meaning that in an emergency if the whole grid system goes down (causing a blackout), these self-sufficient units can be used to bring the system back online.  These units can be started without needing a feed from a larger unit and, in turn, can feed the power needed by larger units to restart after a blackout.

The Bayview units are also end-of-the-line units, meaning that if the main transmission line that normally supplies power to Bayview, Virginia, and the surrounding areas goes down, these units will automatically come online and meet the area’s need for power. The output of the units can be adjusted as needed.