Agricultural Sector- Resource Library
E–newsletter
Electricity Conservation on Ontario Farms
The Fall 2009 edition of the Ontario Power Authority’s (OPA) Electricity Conservation on Ontario Farms, a periodic e-newsletter to help Ontario farmers better manage their electricity costs, is now available.
In this issue:
- Read about how the new Feed-in Tariff (FIT) Program can open up more potential revenue streams for the Ontario agricultural community. The program is North America’s first comprehensive, guaranteed pricing structure for renewable energy production.
- Also included in this issue are articles on the different ways that bioenergy can be used to generate electricity, how existing renewable energy projects can take advantage of the FIT and microFIT programs and the guidelines around developing a solar project on agricultural lands. .
Click here to download the latest issue [3 pages]
The archive of previously sent e-newsletters can be found below.
Volume 3 Issue 3 - Summer 2009 [3 pages]
- Read about how Westbrook Greenhouses in the Niagara Peninsula has completed energy-saving initiatives with the help the Power Authority’s Electricity Retrofit Incentive Program (ERIP).
- Also included in this issue is an article on some farm energy projects that will receive funding from the OPA’s Technology Development Fund, information on the upcoming Feed-in Tariff Program and a story on steps taken to deal with stray voltage issues facing farmers.
Volume 3 Issue 2 - Spring 2009 [3 pages]
- Read about how Gerrit and Margriet Wensink have incorporated energy conservation into their 320-cow dairy operation near Woodstock. A new barn they built with natural exhaust ventilation was eligible for the OPA’s High Performance New Construction (HPNC) program, which provides financial incentives for energy-efficient technologies and equipment.
- Also included in this issue is an article on how the HPNC program is benefitting the agricultural community and one on the proposed Feed-in Tariff Program, which would guarantee specific prices for energy generated from renewable sources and drive green investment to Ontario.
Volume 3 Issue 1 - Winter 2009 [4 pages]
- Read about how Rosa Flora, one of Canada’s largest cut flower producers, manages its energy costs and has implemented technology to remain competitive in the international market.
- Also included in this issue are articles on energy-efficient greenhouse lighting, the results of an OPA-funded study on issues facing the greenhouse industry, and the third annual “Growing the Margins” conference.
Volume 2 Issue 4 - Winter 2008 [4 pages]
- Read about how The Bay Growers Co-op Inc. in Clarksburg has used innovation in many aspects of its operations to lower electricity costs at its Georgian Bay apple storage and packing plant.
- Also included in this issue is an article on how the number of energy-efficient fans that qualify for the OPA's ERIP program will be expanded early in 2009, as well as an item on Swiss renewable energy expert Thomas Boehni, who explains how Switzerland is using renewable energy with an emphasis on local self-sufficiency and sustainability.
Volume 2 Issue 3 - Fall 2008 [3 pages]
- Read about how Ben and Patricia Debrouwer used the OPA’s Electricity Retrofit Incentive Program (ERIP) to control costs and maximize production in their farm business in Chatham-Kent County.
- Also included in this issue is an article on the health and cost benefits of naturally ventilated barns, as well as an item on how some ERIP incentives have been expanded to include dual natural ventilation systems for livestock and greenhouse operations.
Volume 2 Issue 2 - Spring 2008 [4 pages]
- Read about how building naturally cool barns helped farmers Levi Jantzi and Glen MacArthur save energy, and how the High Performance New Construction program can provide incentives to help you build your own naturally ventilated barn.
- Also included in this issue is an article about how proposed changes to the Renewable Energy Standard Offer Program will benefit farmers, and why the upcoming Clean Energy Standard Offer Program might be of interest to you.
Volume 2 Issue 1 - Winter 2008 [3 pages]
- Key financial parameters that farm families should consider before embarking on a renewable energy project. Representative samples of financial data are provided in this issue for both a small-scale solar photovoltaic and biogas project
- European renewable energy technology generates Ontario electricity
- Financial assistance for farmers for anaerobic digesters
Volume 1 Issue 9 - November/December 2007 [3 pages]
- European renewable energy technology generates Ontario electricity
- Financial assistance for farmers for anaerobic digesters
Volume 1 Issue 8 - October 2007 [3 pages]
- Electricity in the wind
- Conservation pays twice
- Watts & Lumens
- OPA’s Peter Love to speak at Royal Winter Fair
- More energy savings for Ontario farm homes
Volume 1 Issue 7 - September 2007 [3 pages]
- Lowering the cost of electricity: a financial strategy
- Readers' survey: What you told us
- Report confirms technology improvements save money
Volume 1 Issue 6 - Summer 2007 [2 pages]
- OPA's New Construction Program Will Aid Ontario Farmers
- Natural ventilation barns save thousands of dollars in energy costs
Volume 1 Issue 5 - May 2007 [3 pages]
- Harnessing the sun by the 401
- Considering a renewable energy project?
- Delegates hear conservation and generation message
Volume 1 Issue 4 - April 2007 [2 pages]
- Finding energy savings in the farm home
- Electricity efficiency: a way of thinking at Clovermead farms
Volume 1 Issue 3 - March 2007 [2 pages]
- Farm energy audits find 15 percent savings
- Farm energy conference draws world experts
- Applications to sell electrical power grow
- Hydro One expands financial incentives for farmers
Volume 1 Issue 2 - February 2007 [2 pages]
- For sale: Farm-generated electricity
- Anaerobic Digestion and the Standard Offer Program
- Cash incentives for electricity efficiency
- Renewable energy an Ontario farming tradition
- Growing the Margins: Electricity links electricity conservation and farm profitability
Volume 1 Issue 1 - January 2007 [2 pages]
- Financial incentives to boost energy efficiency
- Selling farm-generated power
- Lighting efficiency in the dairy sector