Energy Use

BART is one of the largest consumers of electric power in Northern California, using about 368,000 megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity annually, which is on scale with the annual electricity use of almost 30,179 average homes in the U.S [1]. 89% of the energy consumed at BART is in the form of electricity. BART’s single largest source of energy demand is its traction power (for train propulsion), which constitutes about 81% of BART’s purchased electrical power and 72% of BART’s total energy overall. Electricity is also used for lighting, interconnected systems (communication, train control, fare), elevators and escalators, train washing, and maintenance activities.  

[1] Per the EPA, the average home in the U.S. consumed approximately 12.194 MWh of electricity each year (epa.gov/energy/greenhouse-gas-equivalencies-calculator-calculations-and-references#houseenergy). 

More details can be found in Annual Sustainability Reports at Policies, Plans and Reports page. 

Increasing energy efficiency with LED lighting
 

BART is advancing its use of light-emitting diode (LED) lighting to improve energy efficiency. Work is being advanced as part of BART’s Station Modernization program using BART Facilities Standards (BFS), which requires LEDs as replacement bulbs in addition to other lighting elements, such as fixture specifications, smart controls, and daylighting.  

Parking garages and lots 

BART completed a retrofit project in 2023 to update lighting in nearly all parking garages, replacing older fixtures with LEDs. This project has cut energy and maintenance costs, reduced disposal of hazardous materials, and provided brighter, more reliable lighting.  

BART is also updating lighting at surface parking lots as funding is available. To date, BART has replaced lighting with LEDs at all parking lots of 12 stations and at some parking lots of 3 stations.  

Station lighting 

BART uses LED bulbs when station lighting needs replacement. BART is pursuing funding and upgrading all station lighting as funding allows. This program prioritizes stations with highest expected energy saving and uses both BART labor and third-party contracts to maximize productivity. To date, BART has completed full lighting retrofits at 8 stations and completed partial upgrades at 2 stations. BART is evaluating a comprehensive program to accelerate this work.  

The table below summarizes LED lighting retrofits by station and its areas. 

Questions or Feedback 

Please send an email to [email protected].