The Rail Electrification Council (REC) promotes the adoption of electricity as the principal motive power of domestic railroad (freight and/or passengers) transportation and as an enabler of electric grid integration and innovation. The REC will embark on this mission through support for constructive public policies and regulation, development of helpful Standards and best practices, effective communications and education, and innovative commercial product development that benefits its Member companies.
What the REC Offers
- A bridge between critical but disparate sectors of the economy, both of which are network industries and major components of supply chains
- A forum for addressing the economic and environmental interests of the transportation and energy sectors through peer interaction, studies, education, and advocacy
- A distinctive industry voice for the public’s interest in a clean energy economy, investment in critical infrastructure, and in collaborative decision making between government and the private economy
- A method to revitalize electric manufacturing by importing the lessons from rail and energy in other countries, and by working with policy makers to institute changes that support investment in North American infrastructure
- A unique voice for forward-looking railroad operators, electric manufacturers, new technologies, renewable energy companies, and market participants looking for holistic solutions
- An organization that brings together a broad perspective on energy, manufacturing/technology, and rail transportation – (a “three-legged stool”) with the potential to drive changes that will be in the mutual interest of all three sectors
Why Now?
- Infrastructure plans and investments are currently under consideration at multiple levels of government
- Policy and politics are moving toward electrification
Members’ Role and Rationales
- We recognize that REC shares the energy and transportation policy space with other organizations and agencies. We will be working with and through those groups but for our Members’ agenda
- For railroads: modernization, participation in renewable energy and climate initiatives; deriving long-term revenues from rights of way assets without giving them away; preparing to meet the challenges to the use of fossil fuels and old technologies; competing and keeping pace with massive electric vehicle (EV) investment and policy support
- For manufacturers: a voice for economic revitalization and investment in the U.S. and Canadian industries; promote investment in electric technologies in two main sectors
- For utilities: enhance commercial relationships with railroads; collaborate with major users of electricity for transportation; support planning for two increasingly integrated supply chains; use of rail ROWs for transmission to help meet renewable standards and serve expanded markets
- For renewable energy developers: major additions to transmission in key regions will unlock enormous renewable resources more quickly than conventional state-by-state siting; explore with rail potential new locations for generation facilities, battery technologies, and additional load
Participation in the REC is open to any interested organization. If you are interested in joining, contact NEMA Industry Director Steve Griffith at steve.griffith@nema.org
Join Now!
Staff Contact: Steve Griffith