For a limited time, Southern Alberta dairy, poultry and hog producers may apply for an on-site energy audit to identify energy waste that may be costing them money and time.
The OnFarm Energy Efficiency Program – the first of its kind in Alberta – was developed by Climate Change Central and Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (AAF) to help improve energy efficiency within the agriculture sector.
“We recognize that energy use on farms is not the only challenge facing the farming community today,” says Simon Knight, President of Climate Change Central. “This is an important step towards helping these operations maintain their competitiveness while helping the environment.”
The pilot program aims to perform 100 energy audits - first come, first serve – and will begin in the spring of 2007. Participation requires access to a producer’s operation to collect energy data and processes. Most of the $1,800 cost of the audit is covered by program sponsors. Producers will be asked to pay $200 for practical, cost-saving information customized to their operations. They may also have access to an energy efficiency calculator, regional energy service network and financing options.
“Higher fuel prices and utility costs are prompting more farmers to look for alternative ways to save energy and money,” says Rick Atkins, branch head, Agricultural Technology Centre, AAF, in Lethbridge. “The first step is to track a farm’s energy input to see where improvements can be made.”
If you are interested in participating in the program, call now to book your audit. Contact Debbie Campbell at (403)329-1212 or by e-mail at Debbie.campbell@gov.ab.ca.
The program is funded by Alberta Innovation and Science’s Unleashing Innovation Program and AAF.
More program information is available at www.onfarmenergy.ca
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