Big Bertha: Pumping up Energy and Water Savings with a Variable Frequency Drive

Big Bertha, one of the largest line-shaft turbine and irrigation pumps in central Oregon, is saving watts and water after a recent facelift. The Van Akens and Grossmans used incentives from Bonneville Power and Central Electric Cooperative to upgrade Big Bertha with a variable frequency drive, which allows them to better manage the watering requirements for the various crops on their 530 acres in Terrebonne, Ore. A VFD is just one way you can save energy and water on your farm. Contact your local electric utility or local resource conservation and development council to find out what energy saving options are right for you.