REDWOOD CITY, CA – Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE) is providing Caltrain with 100 percent renewable energy to power its historic transition to all-electric trains. By going all-electric and using PCE’s clean power, Caltrain has eliminated harmful diesel pollutants from its passenger trains. Riders will now enjoy quieter and quicker service without the diesel emissions from traditional trains.
PCE is providing the electricity for Caltrain’s South San Francisco station, which represents half of the entire system’s load.
The all-electric train service between San Francisco and San Jose, which began fully operating last weekend, launches a new era of sustainable public transit, as Caltrain is the first customer to receive PCE’s 100 percent renewable powered Green Transit tariff. This new energy rate is offered at no additional cost for electric public transit providers, which helps organizations like Caltrain keep ticket prices as affordable as possible.
Because PCE is a not-for-profit electricity provider, it can provide customers like Caltrain with less expensive and cleaner electricity compared to electricity from PG&E.
“Caltrain’s bold move to all-electric rail service is a game-changer for the residents and visitors in our region,” Peninsula Clean Energy CEO Shawn Marshall said. “This transition not only reduces heat-trapping emissions from one of the Bay Area’s most significant sources of pollution – transportation – but also immediately delivers a cleaner and quieter environment for everyone. It’s also a critical step in our mission to tackle climate change head-on, and we’re proud to be Caltrain’s clean energy provider.”
“For the first time in the 160-year history of this railroad, zero emission electric trains are running up and down the Peninsula, powered by electricity generated right here in San Mateo County,” said Caltrain Executive Director Michelle Bouchard. “I thank PCE for their support and partnership, and for helping to make electrified Caltrain a reality.”
In celebration of this historic shift, PCE joined Caltrain at their weekend launch parties hosted at various stations. The events included free rides and family-friendly activities to highlight the benefits of cleaner, faster and quieter train travel.
As PCE powers this shift, both the environment and commuters are set to reap its immediate rewards. The all-electric trains are not just a sustainable alternative – they are making the air cleaner, neighborhoods quieter and improving regional mobility for everyone in the Bay Area.
About Peninsula Clean Energy
Peninsula Clean Energy is a Community Choice Aggregation agency. It is the official electricity provider for San Mateo County and Los Banos. Founded in 2016 with a mission to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the agency serves a population of 810,000 by providing more than 3,600 gigawatt hours annually of electricity that is 50 percent renewable, 100 percent clean and at lower cost than PG&E. As a community-led, not-for-profit agency, Peninsula Clean Energy makes significant investments in its communities to expand access to sustainable and affordable energy solutions. Follow us at PenCleanEnergy.com, X, Facebook and LinkedIn.