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Producers wanted for innovative on-farm energy audit program

Alberta's On Farm Energy Efficiency Program is looking for producers interested in reducing their energy costs.

The program is seeking 100 dairy, swine or poultry producers in Southern Alberta for the innovative two-year pilot project. The first step is to track energy consumption using trained energy auditors to determine where improvements can be made in terms of technologies or management practices.

"We would encourage anyone who qualifies for this program to take a few minutes and apply," says Rick Atkins, program manager at the AgTech Centre. "Not only will these producers be given the opportunity to increase their bottom line, but by reducing energy usage they are truly working towards a sustainable agriculture."

Beginning in March 2007, energy auditors will conduct a half to full day audit of energy expenditures on each qualifying farm, and will make recommendations on how those operations can be more economically efficient. A confidential report will be sent to producers about eight weeks after the audit, and will include estimated costs and benefits for the recommended changes.

Producers will be chosen on a first come, first served basis. To secure a spot, applicants must submit a completed registration form, a signed biosecurity form, and some background information including electricity and natural gas bills from the last year and a site map of your operation. While the program covers 90 percent of the $1,800 cost for the audit, applicants must also submit the remaining $200 to help offset the cost of the auditors' activities.

The geographic boundaries for the program include the M.D. of Taber, the County of Warner, the County of Lethbridge, Vulcan County, the Blood Tribe Reserve, the M.D. of Willow Creek and Cardston County.

Test audits have already pinpointed some of the common areas where energy reduction is possible. This has included small scale projects as simple as changing the type of light bulbs used, to the implementation of innovative technologies that can reduce costs and often have longer term payback.

"We recognize that energy use on farms is not the only challenge facing the farming community today, but rising energy costs can reduce competitiveness," says Simon Knight, President and CEO, Climate Change Central. "Beyond the pilot, our hope is to establish a regional network that includes equipment, supplies, services, financing and expertise needed to improve energy use in Alberta's agricultural sector."

The On Farm Energy Efficiency Program was developed by Climate Change Central and Alberta Agriculture and Food's AgTech Centre.

Climate Change Central is a unique public-private not-for-profit organization that promotes the development of innovative responses to global climate change and its impacts. Climate Change Central builds links and relationships between business, governments and other stakeholders in Alberta interested in pursuing greenhouse gas reduction initiatives.

To see additional qualifications for the program, and for additional information about the program, visit the Web site at www.onfarmenergy.ca. In addition, producers interested in participating can contact the AgTech Centre at (403) 329-1212.

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