Rebate program targets agricultural community

The agricultural community is getting a helping hand in the form of a new program that offers up instant rebates to those purchasing a new agricultural water pump.

The AgriPump Rebate Program, launched Friday, March 23 at Hendriks Greenhouses in Beamsville by Hydro One and Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc. (NPEI), is the first of its kind in Ontario and is geared toward all farming applications, including livestock, greenhouse and vineyards.

By upgrading to a high-efficiency pump, customers can see an improved performance and savings on their energy costs of up to 40 per cent.

“This is exactly what being a centre of excellence for agriculture is all about,” said Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton during the program launch, noting that the rebate program’s pilot project allowed the town’s economic development officer to work with Hendriks Greenhouses, NPEI and Hydro One to ensure that this was a successful day.

“Farming is an extremely challenging area to work in, there’s a lot of red tape and costs are very high. However, I think for Andrew Hendriks and his family, this is an opportunity for them to have a program at their disposal, a tool that they can use first to have access to water and to use water in such an efficient way. This is such a win-win situation.”

To be eligible for a rebate under the program, high-efficiency pump kits must be between 0.5 horsepower and 10 horsepower and must comprise a pump, motor, variable frequency drive and accessories.

The rebate is only available to agriculture customers in Hydro One and NPEI service territories.

Cindy-Lynn Steele, vice president market solutions for Hydro One, said the program helps agricultural customers manage their electricity and water usage all while saving money, and could result in up to $610 in savings per constant pressure pump kit.