Nova and Voll/MPC, page-9

Yes , only small but gives an indication why these plants are built/purchased when they only run for a short period of time. Its actually a gamble as if (big if) the multi hundred MW units are reliable we actually have enough energy. They are large complex pieces of plant though and will break down, its when coincidental breakdowns occur, at the worst demand periods that the price rockets and the peakers reap the benefits as do the big boys as well. There is no way some of these breakdowns are manipulated surely. Very tongue in check, I will let others  make up there mind if this would happen to maximize profits at the expense of the public. 

Anyway to Hfrench the Nova plant is remotely operated, it has no  operations staff and i believe the trigger to start is based on both the gas and electrical energy prices at the time. At  $10 a Gigajoule for gas I believe an electrical energy price of around $140 per megawatt hour would trigger a start and probably run until the price reduced to below a $100 MWhr. I think PEA have a couple of reps looking after it, including the remote starting and the hydros. Not sure if contracted or employees. The maintenance costs are what you would expect from large reciprocating engines, I think a rebuild after every 30000 hours or so, oil and filter upkeep costs etc. The engine management systems on these things are very advanced and quickly identify issues and manage the machine  to minimize  unexpected damages and shutdowns. Caterpillar for 10K a year (every year) provide a full maintenance service, which I believe includes rebuilds.30000 hours is a long time when you consider the nature of operation of the units however.
Cheers

GTC61