LED Program Helps Poultry Farmers Cut Costs

Hill has raised roaster and broiler chickens on her Lewes, Del., farm since 1979. She is now using LEDs in two of her poultry houses and watched lower lighting costs boost her bottom line. “It’s definitely worth the electrical savings,” said Hill, whose first experience with LEDs began with a controlled test she conducted for Delaware Electric Cooperative in 2012—a program the co-op will expand this year.
During the pilot test, the co-op installed separate meters for lighting in two of Hill’s poultry houses. LED bulbs were installed in fixtures in one, while incandescent bulbs were used in the other. Each house typically needs between 15 and 24 hours of illumination during a growth cycle.