NEWS RELEASE: San José Clean Energy, Caltrain, and Westlight Energy Wins National Award for Clean Transportation Innovation

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Oshi Jauco, Public Information Manager, San José Clean Energy
408-533-3764; [email protected]

Green Power Leadership Award Photo.

San José Clean Energy, Caltrain, and Westlight Energy Wins National Award for Clean Transportation Innovation
Green Power Leadership Award recognizes Bay Area partnership powering Caltrain with 100% renewable energy while reducing emissions and transportation costs

The award recognized a first-of-its-kind clean transportation model that combines renewable energy, rail electrification, and regenerative braking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and lower operating costs. Caltrain is the first commuter rail system in California to transition from diesel service to an electric fleet powered by 100% renewable energy.

"Cleaner transportation means cleaner air for our communities," said City Manager Jennifer Maguire. "This national recognition demonstrates what San José, and our regional partners can accomplish when we combine clean energy innovation with investments that directly improve people's lives."

"Only in Silicon Valley does hitting the brakes help power the grid," said Mayor Matt Mahan. "Through San José Clean Energy, we're helping Caltrain run on 100% renewable power - and turning the energy those trains send back to the grid into savings. It's a great example of how a little innovation can make clean transportation work better and cost less."

A key innovation recognized by the award is a new approach that allows Caltrain to receive financial credit for renewable electricity returned to the grid through regenerative braking. When an electric train slows down, its braking system captures energy that would otherwise be lost and returns that electricity back to the power system. At current service levels, the arrangement is expected to provide Caltrain approximately $1 million annually for returning about 23% of its electricity to the grid.

"This award recognizes what is possible when clean energy and public transportation partners rethink how our energy system can work," said Lori Mitchell, Director of San José Clean Energy. "Together, we are demonstrating a model that delivers cleaner air, renewable transportation and long-term savings - and one that other communities can learn from."

Since transitioning from diesel power to renewable electricity, Caltrain has avoided more than 7,000,000 gallons of diesel fuel and avoided approximately over 71,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions - the equivalent of removing 16,500 gas powered vehicles from the road for a year. Riders also benefit from quieter trains, faster service, and a cleaner transportation system.

"This national recognition celebrates much more than the electrification of Caltrain - it recognizes a fundamentally better way to power public transportation," said Michelle Bouchard, Caltrain Executive Director. "By combining electric trains with 100% renewable energy and recovering energy through regenerative braking, we are moving thousands of riders a day - emission free, while improving rider experience, and lowering our long-term operating costs."

By receiving 100% renewable electricity, Caltrain is also eligible to generate additional revenue through California's Low Carbon Fuel Standard program, further reducing costs and strengthening the agency's long-term financial sustainability.

"This project demonstrates the impact that thoughtful energy partnerships can have at a regional scale," said Shawn Marshall, WestLight CEO. "Working with San José Clean Energy and Caltrain, we are helping renewable energy power one of the Bay Area's most important transportation systems while creating economic and environmental benefits for the communities it serves."

SJCE, Caltrain, and WestLight Energy accepted the award on September 2 at the Renewable Energy Markets 2026 Conference in Washington D.C., hosted by the Center for Resource Solutions, a nonprofit that creates policy and market solutions to advance sustainable energy. The Green Power Leadership award for Market Innovation recognizes organizations and individuals whose leadership and innovation are advancing renewable energy markets.

The award comes as SJCE, Caltrain and WestLight Energy prepare to celebrate California Clean Air Day with On Track for a Cleaner Future, a community event on Saturday, October 10, at The Tech Interactive in downtown San José. Families and young people can celebrate with $1 youth fares on Caltrain and $1 youth admission to The Tech Interactive, where they can explore the Solve for Earth exhibit and learn how everyday choices can help build a cleaner, more sustainable future.

About the City of San José
With almost 1 million residents, San José is one of the most diverse large cities in the United States and is Northern California's largest city and the 13th largest city in the nation. San José's transformation into a global innovation center has resulted in one of the largest concentrations of technology companies and expertise in the world.

About San José Clean Energy
San José Clean Energy (SJCE) is the local, not-for-profit electricity generation provider for homes and businesses in the City of San José. SJCE is operated by the City's Energy Department and governed by the City Council. SJCE provides more than 350,000 customer accounts with clean energy at fair rates plus the additional benefits of customer choice, community programs, local control, transparency, and accountability. For more information, please visit www.SanJoseCleanEnergy.org. Follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

About Caltrain
Owned and operated by the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board, Caltrain provides rail service from San Francisco to San Jose, with commute service to Gilroy. Serving the region since 1863, Caltrain is the oldest continually operating rail system west of the Mississippi and the first railroad to convert from diesel to electric power in a generation.

About WestLight Energy
WestLight Energy is a public agency and the official electricity provider for the communities of San Mateo County and Los Banos. Founded in 2016 with a mission to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the agency serves 314,000 households and businesses by providing 50 percent renewable and 100 percent clean energy at a lower cost than PG&E. WestLight Energy makes significant investments in its communities to expand access to sustainable and affordable energy solutions. Over the last decade, WestLight has saved customers $226M, provided $30M in electric vehicles and electric appliance rebates and no-interest loans, reinvested more than $100M into the community, and advocated for statewide green energy policies. In 2026, WestLight Energy marked its tenth anniversary and launched its next decade working toward a fossil-free future where everyone thrives through clean energy that's accessible and affordable to all. Learn more at WestLightEnergy.org.

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