Caltrain is reporting that its new electric trains are outperforming the agency’s original projects. Announced during the monthly board of directors meeting, the agency reported that regenerative braking on the new trains is generating and sending back to the electric grid approximately 23 percent of the energy consumed by the system.
Originally estimated to cost approximately $19.5 million annually, Caltrain’s electricity use since the launch of electric service averages 207 MWh on weekdays and 175 MWh on weekends, revising cost estimates to $16.5 million. With the agency expecting approximately $6 million annually in energy credits from the California Air Resources Board’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard Program, Caltrain says the first year of electric service will have lower fuel costs than the previous diesel service. Currently, Caltrain is providing that power to the grid free of charge, as there is no legal requirement for the agency to be reimbursed for the energy generated.