Energy efficiency and reliability solutions for rail operations and facilities.

The objectives of the study included examining energy consumption of the facilities comprising the three major rail yards on the New Haven Rail Line as well as platform stations and identifying energy efficiency and cost savings opportunities for rail operations/facilities. This study will focus on identifying opportunities and options to improve energy efficiency and reliability. Solutions for reducing energy costs and reliance on fossil fuels that take into account the needs of Connecticut’s rail operations/facilities will be recommended. The primary conclusions include the following: Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) should assign a staff person to serve as an energy manager tasked with leading energy efficiency and conservation efforts for all rail facilities/stations and incorporating the importance of these efforts into the culture of the department. Under the energy manager’s leadership, CTDOT should implement a comprehensive process to exploit energy efficiency and reliability opportunities for rail facilities/stations. This process should include conducting periodic energy audits of facilities, developing an energy management plan, and incorporating the findings into an asset management plan. Project planning, engineering and design, and construction, as well as rail operations that are conducted at the facilities/stations should be integrated into this process. Importantly, initiatives and projects should be evaluated with results integrated into future planning.