Energy Commission Adopts First-in-the-Nation Energy Efficiency Standards for Computers and Monitors
The California Energy Commission adopted energy efficiency standards for computers and monitors with support from industry, environmentalists, consumer groups and utilities. These are the first mandatory standards in the nation that could save consumers an estimated $373 million annually.
For more information please see the frequently asked questions on the proposed computer and monitor standards.
Below are quotations of support for a broad array of stakeholders:
Andrew McAllister, commissioner, California Energy Commission
“It’s common sense that electronic equipment ought to consume a minimal amount of energy when it is not being used. Improved efficiency unlocks millions in utility bill savings for consumers and lightens the load on our electricity system. California’s standards for computers and monitors are estimated to save enough energy to power about 350,000 average California homes for one year. The state, environmentalists, industry and consumer advocates were able to come together to find common ground and create a win-win policy.”
Mark Cooper, research director, Consumer Federation of America
“California’s steady leadership on energy efficiency is crucial, especially at this moment of political change on the national level. Energy efficiency is central to U.S. global economic leadership. It is good for consumers, good for the economy and good for the environment. California’s leadership represents American Federalism at its best. The state has led the way on other efficiency policies and we expect it will have an even greater influence on computers. Silicon Valley is the heart of digital revolution, and we expect California to drive both U.S. and global computer development.”
Pierre Delforge, director of high-tech sector energy efficiency, Natural Resources Defense Council
“These groundbreaking computer and monitor standards represent a significant energy efficiency milestone that will have a national and global impact. The standards also show it’s possible to set efficiency standards for electronic products in a way that produces significant environmental benefits while meeting industry’s business needs. It’s truly a demonstration that the tech industry and efficiency advocates can work together to fight climate change.”
Rick Goss, senior vice president for environment and sustainability, Information Technology Industry Council
"By collaborating, we've established an ambitious and achievable standard reducing computer idle power by 50% over the next five years while still enabling the tech industry’s innovation that is driving our economy. Technology companies never shy away from solving big problems, and our customers expect us to provide innovative and reliable products that not only enhance their lives, but that also are good for the environment.”
Judy Glazer, global head of sustainability and product compliance, HP
"HP is committed to developing solutions that perform efficiently and effectively throughout their entire life cycle. This new Energy Commission regulation creates a clear timeline for innovation across the industry that will dramatically reduce desktop PC and display energy consumption. HP has a long history of working with California government and businesses to help the state achieve its goals for energy efficiency and appreciates the collaborative approach between the CEC and industry to develop this final regulation."
Andrea Deveau, vice president of state policy and politics, TechNet
“This effort represents an extensive and dedicated process where industry and regulators have worked together to get it right. The standards developed and now adopted are of the most aggressive in the country and will take California and it’s flourishing innovation economy to the next level of efficiency.”
Susan Moore, vice president for public affairs, AMD Corporate
"AMD recognizes the considerable and important work of the California Energy Commission in understanding the opportunities and energy needs of future compute and graphics technologies. Like the Commission, we value a sustainable environment. In fact, AMD is ahead of the projected trend line to achieve our ‘25x20 goal’ to increase the energy efficiency of our mobile processors 25 times by the year 2020, starting from a 2014 baseline. We will strive to meet the State’s expectations as we continue to enable new platform technologies and increase product energy efficiency to benefit our customers and planet."
Shannon Baker-Bransetter, energy and environment counsel, Consumers Union
“The new standards are expected to save Californians more than $370 million on their power bills every year. When we consider the size of California’s population, we anticipate manufacturers developing and selling more efficient computers, monitors and displays nationwide. That will help people save even more energy and money.”
Anand Srivatsa, general manager, Desktop Platform Group, Intel Corporation
“Intel has a proven track record of delivering breakthrough innovations in computing while improving energy efficiency. We would like to extend our thanks to the Energy Commission for multi-year collaboration on the new energy efficiency standard. It is a testament of our strong commitment on PC energy efficiency, working with the Commission and the PC ecosystem. This standard will have a positive global impact on the energy efficiency of desktop, All-in-One and mini PCs by delivering a 50% reduction in idle power over the next 5 years.”
Richard Holober, executive director, Consumer Federation of California
“These new computer efficiency standards give manufacturers clear goals and a level playing field. We look forward to seeing new generations of innovative, efficient and affordable computers hit the market.”
Ned Finkle, vice president of external affairs, NVIDIA
“Improving energy efficiency is a key objective for NVIDIA, and these new standards for computers and monitors are an important step forward for the entire industry.”
Joseph Ridout, consumer services manager, Consumer Action
“As the world continues to go digital, families, businesses, schools and institutions have come to rely ever more heavily on computers even as their power consumption has skyrocketed. California’s pioneering new energy efficiency standards will give consumers the efficient, innovative computers they deserve.”
Kirsten James, director, California policy, Ceres
“California's new energy efficiency standards will help small and large businesses save energy and money while boosting their bottom line. Given the state's size and economic influence, efficiency improvements designed to meet the new standards will likely have a ripple effect throughout the industry, saving businesses energy and money far beyond the state's borders. We applaud California’s leadership once again in spurring technological innovation and a fresh wave of energy efficiency technologies.”
Stephanie Chen, energy and telecommunications policy director, The Greenlining Institute
“By cutting desktop computer energy use in half, the Energy Commission’s new energy efficiency rules will help deliver the efficient computer technologies that all Americans deserve. For lower-income families – who tend to pay a higher percentage of their incomes for utilities—those savings are especially important. Affordable access to information and communications technology is vital for everyone who wants to participate fully in today’s economy. The new standards are a step in the right direction.”
Steve Frisch, president, Sierra Business Council
“Most of our members are small business owners. They like knowing that the next generations of computers and monitors will use much less energy, because that will help them cut operating costs. And they won’t need to spend a lot of time on research in order to access those savings, because all computers will have to meet the new standards. Businesses will see the benefits in lower power bills – and stronger bottom lines. “
Anna Ferrera, executive director, School Energy Coalition
“The new Energy Commission standards seek to ensure that future generations of computers will use much less energy as they help students stay current with technology. This is important as schools are also seeking to save money on their utility bills. These bill savings may then go to other school priorities like supporting classroom learning and closing the achievement gap.”
Eddie Moreno, policy advocate, Sierra Club California
"These standards, four years in the making, will be the first of their kind in the entire world and they will likely set the bar for federal regulations. This is classic California, trail blazing in the world of energy efficiency"
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