National Grid incentives for installing efficient equipment

Installing more efficient equipment is always a good idea, but cost can be an issue. National Grid (NGrid) offers some financial incentives to help farmers make changes and reduce their energy costs. If your farm is in the NGrid service territory, you may be eligible for rebates to install several new technologies.

NGrid has an incentive program for commercial customers, including farms. These can help reduce the cost and the payback time for purchasing and installing more efficient electrical equipment.

NGrid considers measures on an individual case basis, and all proposed improvements are subject to NGrid’s approval. The CET program staff will guide and assist you as needed through the process. In general, a farmer can receive rebates for:

Variable Frequency Drives installed on vacuum pumps and ventilating systems.

Three phase motor replacements for motors of 1 horse power or greater. The rebate varies with the amount of horsepower being replaced.

Lighting

NGrid will rebate a certain amount for each qualifying hardwire fixture, for example tube fluorescents or outdoor incandescent floodlights that are upgraded, provided it meets certain performance criteria. (NGrid will also take care of the proper disposal of the old lamps and ballasts.)

Milking operations that do not presently use an in-line plate cooler can receive a NGrid rebate for the purchase and installation of an appropriately sized system, as long as the system will not over-tax the well system and/or the discharge is reclaimed for cattle watering

Custom measures

NGrid may also provide incentives for measures that meet cost-effective guidelines.

CET staff will help you with the process of applying for these rebates as needed. When you sign up for the Energy Assessment, a technical specialist will come to your farm at your convenience to assess the opportunities and assist you.

The Energy and Small Farm Sustainability program is made possible by a grant from the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program.