Farms in Alberta can take several steps to reduce their utility bills.
- Cut down on energy consumption by conducting an energy audit. An audit can help determine how much energy a property uses, where energy is lost, and how to prevent that loss. Utility distribution companies can provide historical and real-time data as a record of energy consumption. By comparing data, consumers may determine patterns, trends, and identify what caused consumption to increase or decrease.
- Farm electricity bills may have a demand component. Regularly review demand rates and the distributor's demand terms to see if a rate review is warranted. Learn how you can reduce your demand charges.
- Replace aging equipment with energy-efficient products can reduce energy usage. Important areas for energy efficiency in agriculture include lighting, insulation, heating, refrigeration, ventilation, variable frequency drivers, controllers, and grain dryers.
There are incentive programs available:
- The Government of Alberta offers additional information on managing energy use on farms, with resources for lighting upgrades, and changes to make to improve efficiency on poultry, dairy, and pig farms.
- On-Farm Efficiency Program (OFEP) supports producers whose practices contributes to environmental sustainability. The program has four streams covering Smart Farm Technology, Energy Efficiency, Farm Security, and Efficient Grain Handling.
- The Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP) offers financing with flexible payment option for the cost of installation or upgrades for renewable energy devices on the property. Farmland owners may be eligible under the commercial property installation or upgrade.
