Pump Up
the Power!

The power crisis is going to siphon profits from every wine grape grower in California. It's time to go to Plan B.

Electricity rates are now skyrocketing (following a trend, we note, that began almost 10 years ago) and blackouts threaten to shadow summer's sunny growing season with a dark cloud. At Rainbow, we think it might be about time for you to become your own power provider.

Good planning now is likely to make a big difference in the bottom line by year's end, and there's a great solution at hand. It's been around for a long time, so the technology's proven. It permits you to 1) run your electric irrigation motor without digging into profits for standby charges and time-of-use fees, or, 2) create when-you-need-it electricity, without first checking on blackout schedules.

What are we talking about? Diesel power. Diesel fuel prices have actually fallen in the last year and, historically, price fluctuations are seasonal, with the irrigation pumping season coinciding with low-demand period that usually yields a hefty price slump. Diesel gen-sets or diesel pumping units might provide you the independence needed in this time of uncertain electrical service.

Factoring in the fact that diesel engines and generators have slightly more maintenance costs associated with their use, if you calculate the huge increase in electrical rates you can expect in this year alone, and multiply it by the fact that you might not even be able to turn on the light in the barn when you want to, we think tried-and-true diesel engines suddenly begin looking like the best thing since, well, e-mail newsletters.

To estimate the pumping power you're going to need, click here.

Did you know... When buying pumps, bigger is not necessarily better? You might think it's the smart move to buy a single, large pump for all applications, but it's not. Imagine taking off from a stop sign with your car in third gear. Yes, you're going to move forward, but it's very hard on the engine. If your pump is not running within peak efficiency specifications, its shafts and bearings are going to wear out fast.

Free from Rainbow!
A conversion analysis: Establish costs and assess the benefits of becoming your own power provider.

A Rainbow field representative, will come on site and assess your energy needs, delivering a complete report comparing your current pumping costs with a diesel conversion.

Call Rainbow Ag. at 462-2404. We'll assist you in developing a plan to make you energy independent.