Power management for networked computers: A review of incentive programs

Computer power management features - standard in Windows and Macintosh operating systems - place monitors and computers (CPU, hard drive, etc.) into low-power ldquosleep modesrdquo after a period of inactivity. Simply touching the mouse or keyboard ldquowakesrdquo the computer and monitor in seconds. While monitors are often configured to sleep, unfortunately fewer than 10% of US-based computers are configured to take full advantage of these energy-saving features. There are many ways to activate sleep features across entire networks of computers, including free solutions that utilize open source software and/or network tools that most organizations already have at their disposal. Alternatively, a number of commercial software packages offer more feature-rich solutions for a fee, and may deliver more energy savings. Either way, organizations are saving up to $50 per computer annually - and sometimes even more - by activating and managing computer sleep settings. There is newfound interest in computer power management among electric utility customers and energy efficiency program managers. However, there is also growing appreciation for some of the technical challenges associated with activating sleep settings, ensuring that they do not interfere with the distribution of administrative software updates, and verifying that computers are indeed entering the intended sleep modes. While many solutions exist, these technical challenges nevertheless serve as a barrier to action in many organizations, whose information technology departments are often short on time and resources. Consequently, leading utility/energy efficiency programs have begun to offer rebates and other incentives to organizations for activating and managing computer power management features. This paper reviews rebate and incentive programs currently offered by utilities for activating power management features on computer networks. It explores the rationale behind program requirements, and provides a high-level assessment of their impact. Finally, it offers suggestions for utilities and regulators considering similar programs. Questions addressed include: ldr Which utilities/energy efficiency organizations are offering incentives, and why? ldr What are the incentive program requirements? ldr What are the rebates/incentives being offered? ldr What energy savings assumptions underlie these programs? ldr To what extent are energy customers participating in these programs? ldr How do the energy savings compare to incentives paid and other program costs? ldr How are utilities evaluating these programs? What conclusions have they reached? ldr What lessons can utilities and utility regulators take from these programs?