Railroad electrification - Challenge and opportunity [Guest Feature]

It is in the spirit of shared concern and mutual benefit that the author discusses railroad electrification. In doing this, there are several genieral considerations that are reviewed. First, what are some of the factors that have contributed to the recent revival of interest in railroad electrification? Why has straight electric propulsion long a dormant concept in this country-suddenly become an exciting, challenging issue? Second, why specifically are we in the electric utility industry interested? What, from our point of view, is the potential of railroad electrification, and what are the problems associated with its development? Third, what is the nature and extent of electric utility involvement? What are we doing and what, if any, have been the results of our efforts? Last, what is the outlook for the future? What are some of the larger tranisportation problemis to be faced, and what part will the railroad and electric utility industries play in helping to solve them?