Hayward leaders displeased with ruling to restart Russell City power plant

Hayward city officials are disappointed the state approved the reopening of the Calpine Russell City Energy Center before the results are known from an investigation into the cause of a May 27 explosion and fire at the facility.

City officials said the explosion sent “chunks of hot metal” flying hundreds of feet, ignited a fire and led to the evacuation of nearby residents. Seven weeks later, the California Energy Commission approved the application Thursday from Calpine Corporation to resume operations at the plant.