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We recover the cost of electric current for traction (EC4T) through traction electricity charges which are charged to all electric train operators.
In April 2010 some operators moved to metered electricity billing, also known as on-train metering (OTM), which means their charges are no longer based on modelled consumption rates, but instead are based on actual metered usage.
All published documentation related to on-train metering can be accessed below.
The EC4T metering rules are a common set of rules that apply to all parties who have the relevant on-train metering provisions set out in schedule 7 of their track access agreements. The EC4T metering rules are incorporated into, and therefore form part of, each such bilateral contract.
Current EC4T metering rules (15 March 2013) - effective from 19 March 2013Previous EC4T metering rules (4 March 2013) - effective from 18 March 2013Previous EC4T metering rules (3 May 2012)Previous EC4T metering rules (22 June 2011)
Proposal for changes to EC4T metering rules and freight schedule 7 (December 2011)Voting on proposed EC4T metering rules change - Network Rail letter (16 February 2012) EC4T consent notice - signed (3 May 2012)
EC4T metering rules - draft for vote (1 March 2012) EC4T metering rules (clean for consultation) (December 2011) EC4T metering rules (in track for consultation) (December 2011) Template freight schedule 7 (clean for consultation) (December 2011) Template freight schedule 7 (in track for consultation) (December 2011)
Freightliner (13 January 2012) ORR (13 January 2012) DB Schenker (13 January 2012) Virgin Trains (9 December 2011)
Modified proposalEC4T metering rules - clean (16 February 2012) EC4T metering rules - tracked against consultation draft (16 February 2012) Template freight schedule 7 - clean (16 February 2012) Template freight schedule 7 - tracked against consultation draft (16 February 2012)
Network Rail consultation - Proposals for changes to the EC4T metering rules (OTM incentive charges) (December 2012) Network Rail conclusion letter (January 2013)
Virgin Trains (January 2013) First Capital Connect and First ScotRail (January 2013) Porterbrook (January 2013) Go-Ahead (January 2013)
Modified proposalEC4T metering rules (proposed changes in track) (February 2013) Network Rail endorsed proposal (February 2013)
London Midland consultation - proposals for changes to the EC4T metering rules (losses) (December 2012)
Network Rail response (January 2013) First Capital Connect and First ScotRail response (January 2013) London Midland response to First Capital Connect and First ScotRail (February 2013) London Midland response to Network Rail (February 2013)
The EC4T metering rules may be updated from time to time, in addition to each time an operator opts-in for on-train metering. The approval notices from ORR for changes to EC4T metering rules can be downloaded here:
ORR approval notice - EC4T metering rules, appendix amendment notice (26 March 2013)ORR approval notice - Southern Railway Limited,approval of amendments to Track Access Agreement (March 2013)ORR approval notice - EC4T metering rules, appendix amendment notice (12 March 2013) ORR approval notice - Change to metering rules (OTM incentive charge) (March 2013)ORR FCC 42nd SA approval notice (February 2012)ORR LM 23rd SA and Southern 2nd approval notices (June 2011)ORR WCT 9th approval notice (April 2011)
The Network Rail metering data interface specification explains in detail, in accordance with any applicable standards, the manner and format in which metered data should be provided.
This document is updated from time to time by Network Rail in discussion with the relevant train operators. You can download the current version here: Network Rail metering data interface specification (8 September 2011)
Consultation - Proposal for an alternative use of the safety and environment fund for on-train metering (March 2013)