Reduce data center energy consumption
Xcel Energy has created a new program that offers incentives to companies looking to reduce energy use in data centers
Source: Xcel Energy, Reuters -- Consulting-Specifying Engineer, 7/15/2009 10:23:06 AM
A new program introduced by Xcel Energy has been designed to work with businesses, offering incentives for lowering energy consumption in their data centers.Titled the Data Center Efficiency Program, it will focus on seven different ways that a company can reduce its data center power. The program is in response to a study by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which stated that, thanks to a large growth in data storage, businesses are using as much as 30% more energy each year to power their data centers.
The seven ways to reduce energy consumption are high-efficiency servers, server virtualization, airflow improvements, high-efficiency cooling, high-efficiency lighting, humidity controls, and lighting systems. According to Reuters, the program is currently available only in Minnesota and Colorado.
Xcel is financing up to 75% of the program, and will pay up to $400/kW saved by the data center energy efficiency projects implemented by a business.
