Computer Power Supply
Residential
Efficiency Gets a Desk Job: Transforming the Market for Desktop Computer Power Devices
The devices used to power desktop computers had not seen any significant improvements for many years, even as a jump in computer purchases was rapidly increasing energy consumption in the Northwest.
The region’s utilities estimated that the introduction of more efficient power supply technology could save 82 kWh per machine per year. The 80 PLUS program made this a reality through a partnership between ENERGY STAR® and the region’s utilities. Together, we reduced market barriers to more efficient power supply technology and aligned manufacturers with improved energy efficiency specifications.
The 80 PLUS program was launched in 2004 to set the standard for what constitutes an energy-efficient power supply. NEEA worked with the EPA to push the market toward higher efficiency levels—labeled Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Titanium—and then encouraged their adoption by offering incentives to manufacturers for every certified unit sold.
The 80 Plus certification means a power supply is at least 80 percent efficient in the AC-DC conversion process.
Putting Efficiency in Power through Market Transformation
Manufacturers began to adopt the 80 PLUS standard as ENERGY STAR certification levels grew even higher. The EPA incorporated it into the ENERGY 4.0 specification in 2007, and more consumers across the nation began to purchase the updated technology. Manufacturers also experienced increased competition, which reduced incremental costs and created a momentum that has carried the program’s success into the future.
80 PLUS resulted in a transformed market in which over 70 percent of desktop systems sold now use 15 to
25 percent less energy than before. From 2005–2012, the region’s utilities achieved 18.6 aMW in co-created
savings, or enough to power more than 14,000 U.S. households each year. Funding of the initiative ceased
in 2013 when market barriers were removed successfully; the transformed market continues to deliver
regional savings.
Delivering Powerful Savings on Regional Investments
Today, more than 200 computer power supply manufacturers produce certified 80 PLUS products. Market
share of 80 PLUS–compliant commercial desktop computers has skyrocketed from 0 percent in 2004 to an
estimated 70 percent in 2012. The EPA incorporated 80 PLUS into the new ENERGY STAR specifications in
2007, and then into a revised version in 2013.
A lack of ENERGY STAR specifications, product differentiation and competition had led to a stagnant market for energy-efficient power supplies.
Manufacturers readily adopted the new ENERGY STAR specifications and now 70 percent of PCs in the U.S. use 15 to 25 percent less energy.
Northwest utilities worked with manufacturers and the EPA to remove barriers through new standards and incentive programs.
Reaching 70% market share, 80 PLUS has achieved 22.4 aMW in total regional savings and 18.6 aMW in co-created savings. With the EPA incorporating 80 PLUS into new national specifications, the certification will continue to deliver savings around the country far into the future.