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10/14/2025
Caltrain's energy suppliers have approved policies to compensate the commuter railroad for the power its electric trains return to the power grid, Caltrain officials announced yesterday.
The commuter railroad, which serves the San Francisco Peninsula and Santa Clara Valley in California, runs on renewable energy supplied by two electric utility companies, Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE) and San Jose Clean Energy (SJCE). Caltrain returns approximately 23% of the power it uses back to the power grid via its regenerative braking technology.
Beginning in April 2026, Caltrain will be paid about $1 million annually for the energy it returns to the power grid, Caltrain officials said in a press release.
"Caltrain running train service on 100% renewable energy for the first time in 161 years is a victory in and of itself," said Caltrain Executive Director Michelle Bouchard. "But now that our partners at PCE and SJCE have agreed to compensate us for the power we return to the grid, we have yet another reason to celebrate our transition to the electric fleet."