Energy Saving Tips
Energy-Saving Tips Cards
Download our hot weather energy-saving tips cards and reduce electricity costs as well as protect the environment.
Conserve Energy and Reduce Your Electric Bill
Test your pumps, and take advantage of the Agricultural Peakload Program or contact Fresno State Center Irrigation Technology at: 855-297-3029.
Test your well pumps and improve overall pumping plant efficiency (the combined efficiency of the pump and motor or engine).
- For pumps between 55% and 60% efficiency, consider adjusting the impeller.
- For pumps between 50% and 55% efficiency, consider adjusting the impeller first; repair or replace the pump if adjusting the impeller has no effect on efficiency.
- Consider repairing or replacing pumps with less than 50% efficiency.
Reduce the total power consumption of head pumps by installing variable speed drive (VSD) controllers. These systems work best in Time-of-Use rate schedules on deep wells with frequent startups.
Sign up for a Time-of-Use rate schedule with your utility company. By using Time-of-Use schedules you can reduce total costs and possibly avoid power interruptions. The likelihood of power interruptions occurring during peak times is higher than during off-peak times. By being prepared to use power off-peak, it is possible to avoid interruptions.
Source: Suggestions offered by Jim Thompson, University of California, Extension Specialist, for the California Energy Commission (CEC).