Introduction to electricity use and management on dairy farms

Learn the key factors that influence the cost of the electricity, how to monitor and measure its use, and ensure you are getting the best out of your contract and tariff. 

Monitor, measure, and control to reduce costs

The use, and therefore cost, of electricity dominates fixed equipment energy consumption on the dairy farm with milk cooling, water heating, and vacuum pumping being the most energy intensive processes.

While many farmers successfully generate energy from renewables, a recent NFU survey of members found that approximately half of all farms have yet to invest in renewables. In this update we look at traditional purchasing, the benefits that accrue from monitoring and measuring energy use effectively, and how to match on site demand with day/night tariffs and reduce costs.

An overview of the cost of energy in dairy farming

What a typical dairy farm’s electricity consumption might be plus an overview of how energy pricing works.

Understand when and how you use energy

Knowing when and where you use energy helps you spot ways to use the energy you buy more efficiently and effectively.

Match your energy use to your tariffs

Ensure you understand your contract tariffs and how to maximise the use of day/night tariffs to reduce energy costs.