How Efficient is Your Electricity Use?

The escalating cost of electricity is a constant topic of conversation in the media, in the general public and amongst farmers.  Each day bring a higher quote and we keep being asked whether to fix for two or three years.  Others are looking at reducing what they purchase by investing in solar pv and similar renewable energy systems.

But what is your farm electric usage and how does it compare with others?  These benchmark figures below are for dairy farms only.  Data Collected by NFU Energy 2020.

Some of the variation above will be due to management systems, types of parlours, inclusion of some renewable sources and energy saving devices.  Unless you can measure it you cannot manage it.  The cost of electricity is so high now that it demands more time to investigate where you are using it and how well you are using it.  Benchmarking your farm vs the above data is a good starting point.  All the below areas need to be considered

1. Timeclocks.  45% Night , 55% Day Target.
2. Varispeed Vacuum pumps and milk pumps. 
3. Insulate hot water pipes.
4. Platecooler – Water volumes and water temperature.
5. Heat Exchanger.
6. Lights – LED and PIR Sensors.
7. One parlour hot wash per day? 
8. Recycle plate cooler water as its warm.
9. Milk should hit tank at 4 deg C.
10. Using a diesel generator?

So before getting carried away with investing in solar panels, ensure your system is as efficient as it can be, by starting with benchmarking your electric use.

For advice on how to manage electricity and other resources better, contact Gerard on 07976 426420
or e-mail gerardfinnan@fcgagric.com