Crop Irrigation Energy Cost Estimator

1. Enter irrigation volume
Use the water volume pumped during the period being evaluated.

2. Enter energy intensity
Provide measured or estimated kilowatt-hours required per 1,000 gallons pumped.

3. Enter the electricity rate
Use the energy charge that applies to the modeled consumption; include only components you intend to treat as per-kWh cost.

4. Add a fixed period cost if needed
Optional fixed charges can be included for a broader operating-cost view.

5. Review electricity and cost
Use kWh for energy budgeting and the cost-per-1,000-gallon figure for comparison between irrigation scenarios.

Pumping electricity = Irrigation gallons ÷ 1,000 × Energy intensity Variable energy cost = Pumping electricity × Electricity rate Total estimated cost = Variable energy cost + Fixed period cost Cost per 1,000 gallons = Total estimated cost ÷ (Irrigation gallons ÷ 1,000)

The calculation uses an energy-intensity input rather than deriving pump power from head and efficiency. If water volume is zero, cost per 1,000 gallons is shown as zero to avoid division by zero.

What the result means

The main result is the modeled electricity cost for pumping the entered irrigation volume, including the optional fixed cost.

Demand charges, time-of-use pricing, fuel costs, maintenance, and non-pumping electrical loads are not included unless you incorporate them into the entered rate or fixed cost.

Given: Irrigation volume is 400,000 gallons, pumping energy intensity is 2.4 kWh per 1,000 gallons, electricity costs $0.16/kWh, and fixed cost for the period is $25.

Calculation: Electricity = 400,000 ÷ 1,000 × 2.4 = 960 kWh. Variable cost = 960 × $0.16 = $153.60. Total cost = $153.60 + $25 = $178.60. Cost per 1,000 gallons = $178.60 ÷ 400 = $0.4465.

Result: $178.60 estimated electricity cost.

Interpretation: Under the entered intensity and tariff assumptions, pumping the specified volume costs about $0.45 per 1,000 gallons including the fixed amount.