- Wednesday 10 May 2023
Agriland: How Irish Farmers Can Tackle Record-High Electricity Bills
Source: Agriland
https://www.agriland.ie/farming-news/farmers-how-to-deal-with-record-high-electricity-bills/
During peak milking season, dairy farmers are facing record-high electricity bills. The electricity required to power milking equipment and cool milk is leading to annual costs running into tens of thousands of euro.
When reducing consumption is not an option, many farmers are looking for other ways to control costs. One effective solution is switching electricity supplier with WeSwitchU for Farmers, an independent Irish-owned electricity switching service.
WeSwitchU reviews your current electricity bills and unit rates and switches you to the most suitable and cost-effective tariff based on your actual usage profile.
Saving on farm electricity bills
In the current market, a dairy farmer with approximately 200 cows could save up to EUR 6,500 per year by switching electricity supplier.
WeSwitchU continually monitors the market for new deals and switches farmers again when better tariffs become available, ensuring savings are maximised year after year.
Since 2020, WeSwitchU has helped Irish farmers save more than EUR 1.5 million on electricity bills.
Tailored advice for farm meters
The WeSwitchU team provides tailored switching advice for all meter types, including day and night meters, standard meters, smart meters, and commercial meters. Farmers are also advised on whether their current meter configuration suits their usage profile.
WeSwitchU switches farmers at the end of supplier contracts to avoid expensive standard rates. If a better deal becomes available mid-contract that can generate further savings, WeSwitchU will switch again with the farmer’s approval.
Unlike traditional switching sites, WeSwitchU does not take commission from energy suppliers. Instead, the service operates on a transparent model where customers pay a fee equal to 10 per cent of the savings achieved. This ensures WeSwitchU always acts in the farmer’s best interest.
WeSwitchU’s mission is simple: to save farmers time and money on electricity bills every year.
To start saving, visit www.weswitchu.ie/farmers.
How the switching process works
Step 1: Complete a short form at weswitchu.ie/farmers.
Step 2: The WeSwitchU team will request your latest electricity bills and meter readings.
Step 3: You will receive a detailed usage analysis and switching recommendations.
Step 4: With your approval, WeSwitchU processes your switch.
Step 5: You are automatically switched again when a better deal becomes available.
Solar panels and energy efficiency
Installing solar PV panels is another practical way for farmers to reduce electricity costs. While the upfront investment can be significant, savings build over time through reduced electricity bills.
WeSwitchU can provide up to three quotes from vetted, registered solar installers. To request quotes, complete the form at WeSwitchU Energy Efficiency.
In one example, a farmer supplied up to 40 per cent of milking parlour electricity usage through solar panels, significantly reducing costs during peak season.
Saving on both farm and household electricity bills is simpler with WeSwitchU.
To get started, visit WeSwitchU for Farmers or call the team on 01 912 5161.