Norrpig
“Reliable electricity is quite literally vital when working with livestock.”
DAN NORRGÅRD, OWNER OF NORRPIG.
For farmers who work with production animals, guaranteed electricity is essential. Hot summers and air-conditioned buildings drive up electricity usage significantly. However, smart contracts and creative production methods can help control energy costs—just ask pig farmer Dan Norrgård, who runs the family business Norrpig together with his daughter Elina and son Patrik. In addition to pig farming, the business includes cultivated fields and its own wind energy production.
Dan Norrgård is a second-generation pig farmer and has operated his farm since 1985. But the family’s agricultural roots go back much further. Today, Norrpig manages around 3,700 pigs and 200 hectares of farmland, used primarily for their own feed needs. The workload is shared across generations—father, daughter, and son each handle vital parts of the operation.
Despite the long tradition, Norrpig is anything but stuck in old habits. The farm runs on a spot-priced electricity contract and produces part of its energy through on-site wind power.
“I’m very interested in new technologies and love testing new solutions. That’s why I decided to invest in wind power,” Dan Norrgård tell us.
Norrpig consumes 200,000–250,000 kWh of electricity annually, though this number has decreased with the use of energy-efficient equipment. The farm tries to consume all of the energy generated by its 100% self-owned 135 kW wind turbine, which covers around 20% of current consumption.
Dan and Patrik are also part-owners of Årvas Wind, which owns a larger 2.5 MW wind turbine on the same hill in Pensala, Oravais.
“We’ve been producing wind energy for six years now. We use all the power from the smaller turbine ourselves, while energy from the larger turbine is sold. We also have a maintenance contract with an external company.”
Norrpig’s turbine was among the first to be connected to the Herrfors Verkon regional distribution network. The partnership with both the electricity provider and grid operator has run smoothly, even when the farm has posed more unique or technical questions.
“The electricity grid in our area is reliable and stable. Herrfors resolves any issues quickly. We haven’t had to use our backup generator even once,” Dan Norrgård.
Norrpig’s electricity contract fixes the price during winter months and follows the spot price in summer. While the current high spot market rates may make the contract less than ideal right now, Dan is fully aware of market mechanics and stays informed daily.
“I follow the energy markets closely and know when it’s the right time to lock in prices or stick with the spot rate. I value having a familiar contact at our electricity company—and I’ve been promised coffee every time I visit Pietarsaari! That’s not something every supplier offers,”
— Dan Norrgård
About Norrpig
- Founded: 1997
- Location: Pensala village, Oravais, Finland
- Specialization: Pig farming with approximately 3,700 pigs
- Energy: 135 kW wind turbine (self-owned, installed 2011) which produces ~50 MWh annually and covers ~1/3 of the farm’s electricity needs
Electricity for Agriculture
Highly automated livestock farms rely on round-the-clock power and benefit greatly from effective communication with their energy supplier. In addition to a stable supply, Herrfors offers tailored advice on electricity procurement—especially valuable if your electricity purchase price is as important as any other input cost.
