How much longer can we afford to wait?
Posted: 19 September 2012 | | No comments yet
Terje Stømer, Energy Director from Jernbaneverket, comments on the importance of using actual energy consumption data from trains for billing purposes.
The path to a more competitive railway runs through efficient and reliable measuring of energy consumption. Correct measuring of actual consumption is the key to a more effective, environmentally-friendly and economical railway. Through the understanding of their actual energy consumption, train operators can improve their rolling stock, driving style and operation, and thus enhance not only their own, but in fact the entire competitiveness of the railway sector. So, the need to manage energy consumption is obvious. But in order to manage, we have to measure and handle the data coming out from meters, i.e. related to international traffic information and how to correctly invoice train operators.
Today, the energy consumption used by train operators is mostly estimated, based on weight and distance. This model provides no incentives for improving efficiency; the price is the same regardless of the actual consumption. But more importantly, the model provides no opportunity for improvement. Without measure ment, control is impossible, and efficiency becomes just a word.
Terje Stømer, Energy Director from Jernbaneverket, comments on the importance of using actual energy consumption data from trains for billing purposes. The path to a more competitive railway runs through efficient and reliable measuring of energy consumption. Correct measuring of actual consumption is the key to a more effective, environmentally-friendly and economical railway. Through the understanding of their actual energy consumption, train operators can improve their rolling stock, driving style and operation, and thus enhance not only their own, but in fact the entire competitiveness of the railway sector. So, the need to manage energy consumption is obvious. But in order to manage, we have to measure and handle the data coming out from meters, i.e. related to international traffic information and how to correctly invoice train operators. Today, the energy consumption used by train operators is mostly estimated, based on weight and distance. This model provides no incentives for improving efficiency; the price is the same regardless of the actual consumption. But more importantly, the model provides no opportunity for improvement. Without measure ment, control is impossible, and efficiency becomes just a word.
Terje Stømer, Energy Director from Jernbaneverket, comments on the importance of using actual energy consumption data from trains for billing purposes.
The path to a more competitive railway runs through efficient and reliable measuring of energy consumption. Correct measuring of actual consumption is the key to a more effective, environmentally-friendly and economical railway. Through the understanding of their actual energy consumption, train operators can improve their rolling stock, driving style and operation, and thus enhance not only their own, but in fact the entire competitiveness of the railway sector. So, the need to manage energy consumption is obvious. But in order to manage, we have to measure and handle the data coming out from meters, i.e. related to international traffic information and how to correctly invoice train operators.
Today, the energy consumption used by train operators is mostly estimated, based on weight and distance. This model provides no incentives for improving efficiency; the price is the same regardless of the actual consumption. But more importantly, the model provides no opportunity for improvement. Without measure ment, control is impossible, and efficiency becomes just a word.
While the railway sector is lagging behind in competition with other transport modes, there is still a sense of reluctance to start measuring. All major railway forums are concerned with the development of one common set of legislation, regulations and requirements that everyone can accept. This process is time consuming, and while the committees are arguing over details, train operators are losing money, competitiveness and market share.
Energy billing based on actual consumption is possible today for domestic traffic and even between different countries without any inter – national standards, regulations or legislations. As long as there is an agreement between infrastructure managers and the different train companies, energy billing can be done. Several countries in Europe have a long and successful track-record on that.
The development of a common regulatory framework is not a prerequisite for introducing measurement. Standards and regulations need to be in place just when billing for actual consumption becomes a law. So, there is no need to wait any longer. Today, there are measuring systems that can be implemented in just a few weeks. Solutions that are designed to handle any regular system and work across national borders, solutions that are adaptable to all standards and regulations to come, and are continuously updated. These are solutions that will make the railways more profitable and also strengthen the railway’s position against other transport modes.
If your railway has installed on-board energy meters, they should be used for both billing and energy saving programmes. If you need a system to manage the data flow that comes from the trains, there are systems on the market that can be used at a minimum cost. There is no need to develop your own national system, which would take a lot of time and investment. Why not cooperate with already developed and well proven systems and start taking control and managing energy consumption right away?
About the author
Terje Stømer has a background as an Electrical Engineer and more than 25 years of experience in the railway sector. He has been Chairman with DR Joachim Essig in Die Ban Energy and Phil Hine from UK and in the UIC last phase of the project ‘Energy Billing’ which ended with the UIC leaflet 930, used as main reference for Energy Billing today. Terje has been Director of the Energy Department at Jernbaneverket for the last four years.