Free sprinkler nozzles and pump testing, along with financial incentives for pump repairs and upgrades, are available to Klamath Basin irrigators through a Pacific Power and the Energy Trust of Oregon program called the Irrigation Initiative.
   The program also is available to irrigation customers in Pacific Power’s California service area.
   “Pacific Power has been looking for practical ways to assist Klamath irrigators with their energy use and costs,” said Sally LaBriere, Pacific Power regional community manager. “Measures like these not only save money for our irrigation customers, they also lessen the demand for power generation, which is good for all of our customers.”
   Irrigators are encouraged to act soon since program funding is limited and is available on a first come, first served basis.
   To be eligible for incentives irrigators need to:
   Have their pump tested by the end of the 2006 irrigation season.
   Apply for incentives; complete repairs.
   Have the pump re-tested during the 2007 irrigation season.
   “Regardless of what rate irrigators are paying for their power, it makes a lot of sense to be as efficient with the resource as is possible,” said Greg Addington, executive director of the Klamath Water Users Association. “This is a good program that helps us meet our goals of promoting wise ecosystem and resource management.”
   If a customer’s pump needs repairs or upgrades, two incentive options are available:
   Customers may apply for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Environmental Quality Incentive Program, which provides up to 75 percent of the cost of pump repair.
   For participants who either decline to pursue EQIP incentives, or are not eligible, the Energy Trust/Pacific Power Irrigation Initiative program may provide 30 percent of the cost of pump repair. The project must pass a cost-effectiveness screening to be eligible for incentives; costs are subject to program administrator approval.
   Customers can receive an incentive for a given pump from one program only — either the Irrigation Initiative incentive or EQIP — but not both. Irrigation district pumps are also eligible for the free pump tests and to apply for Irrigation Initiative incentives. Irrigation districts are not eligible for EQIP.
   The free nozzle exchange is a way to increase energy and water efficiency. To participate, interested customers should bring worn nozzles from hand lines, wheel lines, solid set sprinkler systems and/or flow control nozzles to a participating retailer. Center pivot sprinkler packages are not currently eligible. A list of participating vendors is available by calling Energy Trust and Pacific Power’s shared contractor, Power Services at (800) 808-9283.
   Interested Oregon customers should contact T.J. Woodley at KSWCD at (530) 667-3473, ext. 114. California customers should contact Theresa Wright at Lava Beds-Butte Valley Resource Conservation District at (530) 667-4247, ext. 103.