Energy Efficiency for Computers and Electronics
Run cool. Run reliably. Run green.
You probably think youre already running pretty cool, right?
But you could always be cooler!
As an IT professional or corporate purchasing manager, you may already be aware that ninety eight percent of personal computers on the market meet current ENERGY STAR specifications. But you may not realize that the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) mandated new performance requirements that include 80 PLUS efficiency levels, effective July 20, 2007.
80 PLUS power supplies run cooler because they have a minimum efficiency of 80% when tested at each of the following three load conditions: 20%, 50% and 100% of rated power supply output. Qualifying computer units feature multiple DC voltage outputs (i.e. 12 volts, 5 volts, 3.3 volts, etc.) that may reduce the need for costly electrical system upgrades, reduce a rooms cooling requirements, save on maintenance costs, and minimize the need for noisy fans.
Benefits of the 80 PLUS® Initiative
- Reduces energy consumption and saves money
- Reduces heat output from computers
- Reduces computer maintenance costs
- Decreases building cooling costs
- Allows more computers to run on the same branch circuit
- Helps IT managers avoid costly electrical infrastructure upgrades
- Increases computer reliability
80 PLUS is an innovative, electric utility-funded national incentive program, established with the goal of integrating more energy-efficient power supplies into desktop computers and servers. This unique forum unites electric utilities, the computer industry, and consumers in groundbreaking energy conservation efforts.
Power Factor
Efficient power supplies save 85 kWh per desktop PC per year over a four-year life, and a demand reduction of 16 watts, and 301 kWh per desktop-derived server per year, with a four-year life and a demand reduction of 34 watts. These savings represent an incredible 20 to 30 percent of the energy used to power them.
80 PLUS power supplies maintain a true power factor of 0.9 or greater at 100% of rated power-supply output.
Internal Form Factor
Qualifying computer units have an internal power supply form factor, and provide multiple DC voltage outputs (i.e. 12 volts, 5 volts, 3.3 volts, etc.), often reducing the need for costly electrical system upgrades.
Be sure to specify 80 PLUS in purchasing policies! To locate participating manufacturers and resellers, visit www.80plus.org/manu/buy.htm.
If you still have questions about rebate programs and services, you can e-mail us at businesscustomerhelp@pge.com or call us, toll-free at 1-800-468-4743.
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