The Challenge
A leading grower of broiler chickens for Ingham’s Chickens, based in Langhorne Creek, South Australia, faced escalating energy costs that threatened their operational efficiency. With 12 sheds requiring constant climate control and lighting, their annual energy usage was 688,000 kWh, accompanied by a peak demand of 350 kVA.
Compounding these issues, the farm’s power factor was a poor 0.82, leading to further inflated electricity expenses. Their goals were twofold:
- Reduce electricity costs through peak shaving.
- Align operations with sustainable environmental practices to minimise their carbon footprint.
The challenge demanded a comprehensive energy solution that addressed both financial and environmental concerns, ensuring the farm’s ongoing profitability and sustainability.
Key Energy Challenges
- Annual Energy Usage: 688,000 kWh
- Peak Demand: 350 kVA
- Power Factor: 0.82 (sub-optimal)
- Primary Goal: Reduce costs and enhance sustainability
Our Solution
To tackle the grower’s energy challenges, Power Maintenance partnered with trusted industry specialists to implement a robust, multi-faceted solution:
- Solar Power Integration
- Installed a 200 kW solar system to reduce dependency on the grid.
- Leveraged renewable energy to drive down energy costs and support environmental goals.
- Power Factor Correction Equipment
- Enhanced energy efficiency by correcting the power factor to 0.99.
- Reduced energy waste and optimised grid usage, effectively lowering operational costs.
- Peak Demand Management
- Designed the system to cap monthly peak demand at a fixed maximum, reducing excessive demand charges.
- Improved the lifespan of existing electrical equipment by mitigating energy spikes.
This strategic energy overhaul provided immediate financial relief while setting a foundation for long-term sustainability and operational reliability.
Solution at a Glance
- Solar Capacity: 200 kW system
- Power Factor Post-Correction: 0.99 (near-perfect efficiency)
- Focus: Cost savings + sustainability
The Result
The transformation delivered remarkable financial and operational outcomes for the grower, including:
- Return on Investment (ROI): 126.4%, with a payback period of just four years.
- Energy Cost Reduction: 66% decrease, saving the grower significant yearly expenses.
- Consumption Decrease: 36% reduction, lowering annual usage to 437,000 kWh.
- Peak Demand Cut: Reduced from 350 kVA to 200 kVA.
- Environmental Impact: A notable decrease in carbon footprint, bolstering the farm’s sustainability credentials.
Tangible Results
- Cost Savings: 66% reduction
- kWh Usage: 437,000 kWh (down from 688,000 kWh)
- Peak Demand: 200 kVA (down from 350 kVA)
- Payback Period: 4 years
Looking Ahead
With reduced operational costs and enhanced sustainability, the farm is now poised for future growth. The optimised energy framework allows for new chicken shed developments with a smaller grid capacity, ensuring scalability without overburdening resources.
Power Maintenance’s efforts have set the grower apart as a leader in sustainable agriculture, demonstrating how advanced energy solutions can deliver both financial and environmental rewards.
Future Prospects
- New Developments: Energy-efficient expansions possible with reduced grid dependency.
- Environmental Commitment: Enhanced reputation as a sustainable farming leader.
This case study exemplifies PowerMaintenance’s expertise in delivering customised energy solutions that drive measurable success.
Speak to a Specialist
Energy costs can have a significant impact on your business’s profitability, but with the right partner, you can take control of these expenses. Power Maintenance is here to help you navigate the energy market with confidence. Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, our customised solutions and expert guidance will ensure that you’re always getting the best deal.
