ERA has just published a report presenting findings and recommendations on rail traction energy measurement and cross-border interoperability across the EU.
The European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) is pleased to present its new report on rail traction energy metering, whose draft final version was discussed with stakeholders on 10 December 2025 during a dedicated hybrid workshop.
Rail traction energy is a key cost driver for the sector, yet its accurate measurement remains complex due to the cross-border and mobile nature of train operations. Conducted for the European Commission throughout 2025 as part of the TSI revision mandate, the study provides a comprehensive overview based on extensive stakeholder input, including a large-scale survey, bilateral interviews and numerous comments on the draft report.
The findings highlight important gaps in the implementation of the Energy TSI (ENE TSI). Several EU Member States are not fully compliant, notably due to missing or limited data collecting systems (DCS), while only a limited number allow railway undertakings to freely choose their traction energy supplier. Interoperability issues linked also to onboard energy measurement systems (EMS) and settlement systems further complicate cross-border data exchanges. Billing of traction energy based on real consumption is still not a reality across the EU, putting at stake the benefits of eco-driving, brake energy recuperation and energy efficiency.
The report sets out 11 recommendations to address these challenges, including strengthening ENE TSI enforcement, assessing a possible extension of its scope, and clarifying the interface between rail and energy market legislation.
The study is available below and on the EU Publications Office website.
Study AS-03 on the implementation of on-ground energy data
English (3.97 MB - PDF)