
Pitigliano Farms Pumped Up $80,000 Savings on Their Energy Costs
At 2,300 acres, Pitigalino Farms has immense energy needs, which translate into big energy expenses. The Pitiglianos realized that since 90% of their energy expenditure is used on irrigation, they decided to sign up for a Time-Of-Use (TOU) rate that would optimize their energy consumption. They saved $80,000 in 2013, nearly $60,000 saved on TOU rates and another $20,000 saved with the Agricultural and Pumping Interruptible (API), a Demand Response program.
More Energy Management Success Stories
- Nichols Farms pumps during TOU Off-Peak hours to lower their costs
- Airoso Dairy saved 107,000 kWhs and $41,000
- EW Merrit Farms reduced 5%-7% of their energy costs
- SBS Ag estimated energy use reduction by 75% to 90%
- Four Star Fruit saved almost $110,500 annually
- Sun Pacific saved 30% annually
- George Watte & Sons increased their pump efficiency and lowered their costs
- Columbine Vineyards projected annual savings of 1,361,000 kWh

Essential Energy Technology for Agriculture>
Finance Your Energy-Efficient Projects>
Several agriculture businesses have already taken advantage of energy-efficient equipment. To help your business receive these same cost-efficient benefits, we offer low-interest financing for qualified energy-efficient projects.


Energy-Efficient Solutions and Tips for Agriculture>
Here are just a few of the energy-efficient programs and suggestions that our customers have employed to increase their cost efficiency. You’ll also find more energy-efficient solutions in our Agricultural Fact Sheet and a complete list of all our qualifying energy-efficiency incentives and demand response programs by requesting our Solutions Directory.
Want to explore your clean energy options with SCE? We want to help lower your energy bill and reduce your carbon footprint. Clean energy can help provide the solution.
Pumps
It requires a significant amount of energy to power a water pumping system. If any pump is not working to specifications, or if the pumping requirements have changed, it’s possible the pump could be using power inefficiently. We offer pump testing services to qualified businesses that provide you with information so you can assess your overall pumping performance. Testing helps identify current or potential problems, allowing you to take measures to improve operations and lower your energy cost. To request testing, call 1-800-655-4555 to speak to a representative or complete the Pump Test Authorization Form to schedule an appointment.
- Replace sprinklers with drip irrigation for field vegetables, deciduous trees, and vineyards
- Upgrade to high-efficiency pumps
- Install a variable speed drive (VSD) to your irrigation system equipped with oversized pumps or varying loads to receive optimum productivity with reduced energy usage as compared to valve throttling or bypassing
- Install irrigation systems that use water and electricity more efficiently, then manage and maintain the system equipment
Submitting the Pump Test Service Authorization Form:
- Please download and save the form from your Internet Browser.
- Complete the form. Please include the Primary Facility Contact person on the form in addition to the pump information for the pumps you are interested in testing. If there are more than (4) pumps, include the additional pump information in the email or as a separate sheet.
- Attach your form to your email and email your request to HydraulicServices-PumpTest@sce.com, please include your contact information if different from the Primary Facility Contact.
Motors and Compressors
Motor-driven equipment—such as pumps, air compressors and fans—can consume a large amount of energy. Making motors and compressors more efficient could reduce your energy costs.
Here are some ways to control your costs.
- Install automatic shut-off devices to reduce peak demand
- Install small air compressors for low-use periods
- Install sequencing controls on multiple-unit compressor systems
- Install variable-frequency drives to control motor speed
- Replace old motors with high-efficiency motors
- Optimize system efficiency through smart SCADA controls, condensers, premium efficient motors, compressors and compressed air
Your business may already qualify for incentives that could put these energy-saving improvements into effect.
Refrigeration
Refrigeration can be a big energy guzzler for an agribusiness. Upgrades to optimize your units can make a big impact on your bottom line.
- Replace worn or missing door gaskets on refrigerated units
- Install refrigeration curtains, and/or auto door closers on refrigeration units
- Add temperature controllers to your refrigeration units
- Upgrade to high-efficiency fans and programmable thermostats
Lighting and Lighting Controls
Help improve your energy efficiency by better managing your lighting costs.
- Use LED bulbs and LED exit signs
- Install dimmable ballasts to lower energy use in fluorescent lamps
- Install inexpensive occupancy sensors
- Install sensory controllers on vending machines
Your business may already qualify for incentives that could put these energy-saving improvements into effect.
Demand Response Programs (DR)
With these programs, receive bill credits for temporarily reducing energy use upon request during periods of high-energy demand. Choose the ones that best fit your operational needs.
Automated Demand Response (Auto-DR)
Receive energy savings by using smart technology that effortlessly and temporarily reduces the amount of energy your business uses (known as “load reduction”) during a DR event. With Auto-DR, load reduction is automatic and reliable, so it’s easier to participate in DR programs to capitalize on program earnings and help lower your energy costs.
- Install equipment that automates electrical load reduction during demand response events and receive Automated Demand Response Technology incentives

No-Cost, Do-It-Yourself Tips>
Here are some immediate ways to significantly reduce your business energy use.