2006
Release: Immediate
Contact: Jean Donovan, NYSERDA
(518) 862-1090
The 80 PLUS® Program Assists Computer Industry Improve Computer Energy Efficiency
HP First Major PC Manufacturer to Support Program
Albany, NY 2006 (November 20, 2006) - The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) supported the 80 PLUS® Program in 2006 to encourage computer manufacturers to dramatically improve the energy efficiency of their machines by installing highly efficient power supplies-the devices that convert alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC). A major milestone was recently reached, signaling initial Program success. HP-the world's largest PC vendor-announced that it plans to offer customers an 80 PLUS certified power supply option on its 7000 and 5000 Series of business PCs as early as January 2007. This action marks a major milestone for NYSERDA and the 80 PLUS Program as a whole.
Peter R. Smith, President and CEO of NYSERDA said, "NYSERDA implemented an outreach and education program to inform customers about the multiple benefits of purchasing computers with 80 PLUS power supplies. Traditionally, attempts to reduce computer electricity use and power consumption focused on a "sleep" or "standby" mode. The new 80 PLUS approach reduces power consumption when a computer is actually in use. This highly efficient power supply feature has enabled us to address peak demand in the commercial sector."
"The 80 PLUS effort clearly demonstrates that electric utilities and market transformation organizations can have a profound effect on the market place," says Jon Thomsen, Program Director for Ecos Consulting, the company that manages the 80 PLUS Program. "We thank the early adopters like NYSERDA who were integral in building the Program's momentum."
80 PLUS sets the standard for what constitutes an energy-efficient power supply, meaning it is power factor corrected and at least 80 percent efficient in the AC-DC conversion process. The 80 PLUS Program certifies the power supplies. On average, 80 PLUS qualified computer models use 15 percent to 25 percent less electricity than typical computers.
When the Program first launched in fall 2004, it had only one sponsor, one certified power supply and little interest from the major computer manufacturers in participating. Today, there are 87 power supplies from 22 manufacturers certified 80 PLUS. In addition to HP, there are 14 other participating computer manufacturers currently offering qualified computer models to customers.
"We are pleased to be the first major computer manufacturer to support the 80 PLUS Program," said Jeff Groudan, Vice President of Business PC Marketing, Personal Systems Group, HP. "It is part of our commitment to offering customers a variety of affordable, energy-efficient desk-based products to help reduce their total cost of technology ownership."
Nearly all desktop computers and desktop-derived servers can take advantage of more efficient drop-in power supplies to cost-effectively cut energy consumption without costly, time-consuming redesigns of the entire computer. Consumers gain considerable benefits from 80 PLUS certified power supplies:
· Utility bill savings over the life of the computer are typically $25 to $30 for desktop computers running eight hours a day, five days a week (more if the computers are not turned off) and more than $100 for desktop-derived servers.
· The reduced heat output and improvements in power quality can increase the overall computer reliability by up to 40 percent.
· Reduced heat output also decreases a building's cooling demands-another important tactic in addressing peak power demands.
· Power factor correction reduces the cost of providing electrical service and helps to minimize interference and losses in the wiring within a building, an important benefit for utilities and large commercial and institutional customers.
Additionally, highly efficient power supplies are a key element of the recently released Version 4.0 ENERGY STAR® Computer Specification. ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. Products that have earned the ENERGY STAR save energy and prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines. The new ENERGY STAR computer specification features comprehensive performance requirements across all modes of a computer's operation and requires use of a power supply that meets the 80 PLUS standard. The ENERGY STAR specification addresses desktop and notebook computers, workstations, integrated computers, desktop-derived servers and game consoles. It will go into effect July 20, 2007. For more information about the new ENERGY STAR specification, visit http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=revisions.computer_spec.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is a public benefit corporation created in 1975 by the New York State Legislature. NYSERDA administers the New York Energy $martSM program, designed to support certain public benefit programs during the transition to a more competitive electricity market. Programs are funded by a charge on the electricity transmitted and distributed by the State's investor-owned utilities. The New York Energy $martSM program provides energy efficiency services across New York State's residential and business sectors. NYSERDA also promotes research and development, and environmental protection activities. For more information visit, www.nyserda.org
About the 80 PLUS® Program
The 80 PLUS Program was designed and is administered by Ecos Consulting (www.ecosconsulting.com), an energy efficiency firm that leverages the power of the market to accelerate sales of energy-efficient technologies. Electric utilities and energy efficiency organizations across North America joined 80 PLUS to help offset the extra cost of making desktop computers and desktop-derived servers more energy-efficient. The sponsor utilities save electricity for less than the cost of generating it, and computer purchasers get more energy efficient machines with better power quality for little or no extra cost compared to a computer with a conventional power supply. The 80 PLUS Program offers manufacturers of desktop computers and desktop-derived servers $5 and $10 incentives respectively for every unit containing a certified power supply that is sold in participating sponsors' service territories.
Program sponsors and supporters include the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Sacramento Municipal Utility District, NStar, Efficiency Vermont, National Grid, NYSERDA, Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, Xcel Energy, Western Massachusetts Electric, Hydro Quebec and Natural Resources Canada. Together, financial incentives available total more than $5 million. For a complete list of participating computer manufacturers and certified power supply models, visit www.80PLUS.org.
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