SV is promoting energy-saving measures after Dairy Australia this month warned farmers they could be paying an extra $3760 on their average $18,800 power bills this year.
SV said a series of short videos part-funded by SV and produced by WestVic Dairy showed how relatively low cost measures could be implemented in most dairies, and had short payback periods.
A series of best practice guides have also been produced by SV covering lighting, refrigeration systems, steam and hot water.
SV interim chief executive Carl Muller said substantial savings could also be made through regular maintenance and upgrading equipment,.
“Dairies use a lot of energy to heat water, refrigeration, drive equipment and for lighting. While some farmers are installing solar panels to cut energy costs, less expensive things can be done to ensure efficiency is maximised,” Mr Muller said.
Among the measures that dairy farmers can take to cut energy costs are:
Use off-peak electricity to heat water and for cooling milk saves money. Review different electricity and gas tariffs at Victorian Energy Compare.
Install a heat recovery system that uses excess heat from cooling and other processes to help heat water.
Use solar energy to help preheat water.
Insulate hot and cold pipes so less energy is used to keep water or milk at the right temperature.
LED lights use less energy, last longer than conventional lights and can be recycled.
Ensure lights are turned off when they’re not needed or use motion detectors
Regular maintenance of equipment means it will work properly when it’s needed.
Dairy Australia has also published a booklet “Saving energy on dairy farms.”
SV’s $6.1 million “Boosting business productivity” program can also help farmers and other business operators cut their energy bills.
Opportunities include:
Gas efficiency grants of up to $50,000 can help businesses improve energy productivity and affordability.
Energy Assessment Grants are available for businesses for an energy assessment that identify and implement energy improvements.
The Sustainable Finance Service is available to businesses, property owners, councils and community groups wanting to invest in energy efficiency.
Materials Efficiency Grants of up to $13,000 are available to manufacturers looking for solutions to their waste problems.