Rebate program for farming industry

A new rebate program by Hydro One and Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc. could see livestock farmers, greenhouse operators and vineyards save money as they manage their electricity and water usage.

The AgriPump Rebate program — the first program of its kind in Ontario — offers instant rebates to customers who purchase a high-efficiency water pump kit.

A release from the two agencies said the rebate can be used for all farming applications and that upgrading to a high-efficiency pump “will improve performance and could save customers up to 40 per cent of their system’s energy costs.”

“This energy conservation program is focused on helping our agricultural customers manage their electricity and water usage all while saving money,” said Cindy-Lynn Steele, Hydro One market solutions vice-president.

Brian Wilkie, CEO and president of Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc., said a collaborative approach with IESO (Independent Electricity System Operator) and Hydro One allowed it to be very innovative with the new program.

Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc. (NPEI) provides electricity distribution to Niagara Falls, Lincoln, Pelham and West Lincoln, and is governed by an eight-member board of directors.

“We’re happy to be able to cater to the agricultural sector and provide this instant rebate program on high-efficiency pump sets with advanced control technology,” said Wilkie, in the release.

Drew Spoelstra, director for Halton, Hamilton-Wentworth, Niagara North and Niagara South, Ontario Federation of Agriculture, said water conservation and high energy costs are a big concern for Ontario farmers.

For more information on the program see agripump.ca.