Farmers live with uncertainty, from fickle weather to fluctuating fuel and commodity prices.

“That’s about the only thing we deal with is uncertainty,” said David Pitchford, who farms about 2,000 acres in southeast Alabama and southwest Georgia. Sometimes he plants corn, sometimes peanuts or cotton, wheat or soybeans – it all depends on what makes the most sense in an ever-changing marketplace.

Farmer David Pitchford is enjoying the fruits of using electricity in his business. (file)

But Pitchford has found a way to reduce some of the uncertainty in his business – by switching from diesel-fueled irrigation systems to electric systems. The results have been tremendous, he said.

David Pitchford’s older diesel pump. (file)

“I wouldn’t go back if they gave it to me for free,” Pitchford said.

His old diesel systems, seven in all, were noisy, dirty, and required constant maintenance. Not to mention the refueling, which was literally a full-time job for one of his employees. Now, turning on and maintaining his electric irrigation systems are as easy as flipping a switch.

But the most profound change was to his bottom line. He said the energy costs for his irrigation systems by using electricity are down by as much as 70 percent when compared to the price of diesel, which is always shifting.

“It’s just made our efficiency so much better,” not to mention the improved quality of life from not having to constantly fuel or fix failing diesel engines, at all hours of the day or night. “The reliability of electricity is second to none,” Pitchford said.

Farmer David Pitchford said electric water pumps are saving him money. (file)

Alabama Power worked closely with Pitchford as he gradually made the switch from diesel to electric systems over a four-year period. He said the company continues to work with him to make sure things run smoothly. “It’s a great business relationship,” he said.

Farmer Andy Bell also praised the power company for working closely with him when he made the switch from diesel to electric.

“I would have to say the biggest advantage is having Alabama Power to deal with,” said Bell, who raises corn and cotton in Tallassee.

“Every aspect that we have been faced with has been handled promptly and with attention to detail,” Bell added. He, too, said the switch has saved him both money and labor.

Alabama Power is always ready to work with farmers to help them become more energy efficient and save money.One way the company is helping is by creating a new resource on Alabama Power’s website, designed specifically to support farmers.

The new Agriculture page at www.alabamapower.com provides a wealth of information for the farming community. The site includes details about electric rate options, specifics on Alabama Power incentives for farmers who convert their motors to electric, as well as information about agricultural grants and tax credits. The site also provides links to a broad array of agriculture-related organizations and agencies operating in the state.

“Agriculture isn’t just an enormously important part of Alabama’s economy, it is a proud part of Alabama culture,” said John Hudson, Alabama Power’s senior vice president for Marketing and Business Development. “We want to do everything in our power to help Alabama agriculture, and Alabama farmers grow and prosper.”

To view the new Agriculture page on Alabama Power’s website, please visit www.alabamapower.com . Click the “Business” tab. Then click “Business Services” and then “Agriculture.”

Farmers can also call Alabama Power’s Business Call Center, toll-free, at 1-888-430-5787 for helpful information about how they can save with electricity.