Case Studies
Testimonials
Wayne Hentges, Poultry-
“The whole process has been great. I’ve saved lots of money, and my flocks have gotten a lot better; even the bird quality is better. This has been more than just energy savings. The audit was able to let me know what things I could put in and change in my barns to help save money and energy.”
Murray Volk, Dairy-
“The process is very simple and very easy. The audit provided me a lot more information than I was looking for, which wasn’t a bad thing!”
Ted Stuber, Dairy-
“Everything in this program worked out very well for our operation. A big positive factor for us was how easy it was to access someone in the program when we had a question or needed to discuss our farm. Everyone has been great to work with.”
Stuber’s EMP estimates that he will save $591 on his energy cost per year by changing his old vacuum pump to a new variable speed pump. He is very happy with the new equipment, and is looking forward to the savings.
Gary Smith, Cattle-
“The cost-savings of converting from halide to T5 lights were definitely a benefit to my farm. The old lights would buzz and hum, and the starters were definitely a headache. The new lights not only save energy but also provide an excellent light source. I would have to say that it is a pretty painless procedure to go through the MAESTRO program.”
Jo Ann Scotten, Swine-
“The MAESTRO program has been wonderful! To be honest, it almost seemed too good to be true when I first heard about it. We needed to make upgrades on our barn, and this program helped us do this. The changes are already making a difference – the insulated curtains, more efficient heaters and lights. Everything works together to help save energy.”
Rick Morgan, Swine-
“I am a producer that is always looking for improvements. I replaced six waterers that were installed in the 1970’s to six new energy free waterers. I feel this program has helped reduce the cost on my family’s farm.”
Kaye Porter, Poultry-
“Thanks to your program I put in LED lights to help cut cost of lighting. The evaluation you did on my farm was helpful in making the decision to do this as was the help of the cost. Anything an established farmer can do to better the cost and equipment they use is a plus in a competitive field.”
Sample Dairy Energy Audit
“Inside this report I have identified several opportunities for you to reduce your energy bills by installing energy-efficient equipment and making other operational changes.
…You may be eligible for federal, state and local tax credits, and grants and loans through the USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), if you choose to implement the measures recommended in this report.”
Significant Findings
The dairy facility at Sample Dairy is approximately 30 years old and was equipped with some energy efficient technologies at the time of our visit. This report focuses on the remaining opportunities at Sample Dairy for the installation of energy efficient equipment and has identified the potential for approximately $9,822 in annual energy cost savings, if all the of the recommended equipment is installed. This represents about 30% of the baseline energy costs of $33,249. Dollar value of energy saving will vary depending on your utility rates.
Sample Poultry Energy Audit
“Inside this report I have identified several opportunities for you to reduce your energy bills by installing energy-efficient equipment and making other operational changes.
…These energy improvements may also be eligible for federal, state and local tax credits, and grants and loans through the USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), if you choose to implement the measures recommended in this report.”
Energy Audit Overview
This report provides a plan to increase the facility’s energy efficiency by evaluating various aspects of building construction, heating and cooling, ventilation, lighting and other electric uses. An average electricity cost of $.136 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) and an average propane cost of $1.407 per gallon were used based on the facility’s 2008-09 utility and fuel bills. Dollar value of energy saving will vary depending on your utility rates.
