Agriculture Sector

---

BPA and Northwest public utilities recognize that energy efficiency is the premier low-cost source of new energy, and work together to bring energy savings to the agriculture industry. By saving energy, farmers may be able to reduce costs, increase irrigation uniformity, decrease the amount of water and fertilizer required and, according to one study, even increase yield. Through BPA-sponsored incentives, Northwest public electric utilities offer services and financial reimbursements to farmers for eligible energy efficiency measures. Below are a few of the agriculture sector priorities.

Scientific Irrigation Scheduling /Scientific Irrigation Scheduling Light
Scientific irrigation scheduling is a process growers of agricultural products can use to improve irrigation water management. When used properly, scientific irrigation scheduling provides information on when to irrigate, how much water to apply, and how to apply water to satisfy crop water requirements and avoid plant moisture stress. When used appropriately, irrigation scheduling saves water, energy, labor, and fertilizer, and in many cases improves crop yields and crop quality.

BPA offers utilities two options for irrigation management: Scientific Irrigation Scheduling (SIS) and Scientific Irrigation Scheduling Light (SISL). Under the SIS, participation applies to agricultural systems for which there is a pumping capacity beyond what is needed to meet normal crop irrigation needs. Customer participation is accepted through a custom proposal with a three year commitment to collect weekly hydro application data including all water applied, evapotranspiration needs and soil moisture tables. Under the SISL, agricultural systems that have less than 1,000 qualifying acres and that benefit from SIS controls and are not currently under an SIS or irrigation management plan are eligible.

BPA is also collaborating in the development of an Irrigation Management Online planning tool (IMO). This web-based tool will provide a utility, irrigation district, extension agent or farmer/irrigator the ability to plan and apply the optimal amount of water on particular crop to maximize yield and quality while reducing the amount of water and energy used.

Variable Frequency Drives
Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) can control the start up and operational characteristics of a motor or pump/motor combination and are proven to substantially reduce energy use. In an effort to streamline the custom proposal process, BPA recently deemed installation of VFDs in spud and onion sheds. This effort removes the requirement for measurement and verification. BPA is also gathering data on other pumping applications to better understand conservation potential and will consider including these applications into the current deemed savings and incentive structure.

Dairies
For several years, BPA has worked with regional dairy producers to improve the energy use on their farms. BPA supports utilities through measures that include barn and area lighting, flat plate chiller improvements, and variable frequency drive applications. The Agriculture sector team continues to investigate viable opportunities to assist utilities in reducing energy use in this agricultural segment.

Wineries
With nearly 1,000 wineries and vineyards in the Pacific Northwest, wineries are the fastest growing segment within the agriculture community. Energy saving enhancements such as lighting upgrades, HVAC, pipe insulation, compressed air, VFDs and refrigeration are all eligible opportunities for BPA incentives.

Learn more about BPA Winery incentives

For technical information related to irrigation, wineries and dairies, visit the BPA Agricultural Resources page.

For more information on the agriculture sector email here.