Farmers urged to take green energy option

Thousands of farmers were today offered a new green energy service that could cut their electricity bills by 10%.

The Irish Farmers Association revealed IFA Power could supply 85,000 homes around the country through the eco-friendly energy firm Airtricity, which operates wind farms in Scotland, Donegal and Derry as well as the new wind park off the Wicklow coast.

John Dillon, IFA president, called on all members to support the initiative, as collective savings would increase as more and more farmers switched supplier.

“Electricity is a major cost to IFA’s 85,000 farmer members and we are delighted that our success in driving down telecom costs can now be repeated in the electricity market,” he said.

The deal, which will offer savings of up to 10%, is a first in the domestic electricity market following full deregulation in February.

Mr Dillon said using green energy was also a benefit as it was in line with the role of farmers as custodians of the rural environment.

It is understood initial savings will be 6% on daytime domestic tariffs and 10% on commercial costs.

The discount on domestic daytime tariffs will rise to at least 10% as the numbers switching to IFA Power grows.

Dr Eddie O’Connor, Airtricity chief executive, praised the farmers union for promoting green energy while seeking to cut costs.

“People are becoming increasingly aware of their responsibility to the environment and are implementing environmentally-friendly programmes within their business, homes,” Dr O’Connor said.

“We compliment our IFA partners for their social responsibility and commercially in seeking to supply green power to their members.”