Utility Rebate Program Offerings
PC Network Power Management Software
February 22, 2010
Measure Description
PC Network Power Management Software allows for the central control of power management settings on desktop computers connected to a network. Some software packages are built specifically to perform this function; in other cases, a “module” can be added to other desktop computing management software suites that perform tasks such as asset management, security and software updating.
Energy Savings
Based on research work performed by the federal Environmental Protection Agency, most utilities are claiming annual energy savings of 200 kWh per desktop controlled, and 0.02 kW of demand reduction.
Market Potential
Many larger enterprise customers already run PC management software suites to manage security, software updates and patches, etc. In some cases, their existing software is capable of managing power settings as well, but they have not elected to activate it. In these instances, customers should simply be encouraged to use the already available tools, perhaps through a utility-sponsored education and outreach campaign.
Utilities report that the primary market for this measure is schools, medium and small businesses, and local governments. In some cases, large businesses and corporations also participate in the program.
In 2008, Pacific Gas and Electric Company reported rebate payments of just over $500,000 for this measure, representing installations controlling over 50,000 desktops. For the first half of 2009, participation dropped, with $152,522 in rebate payments covering 10,193 controlled desktops.
Utility Program Requirements
Typically, utilities have
modest requirements for rebates for implementation of this technology. They may include:
- · Inventory capabilities that can indicate exactly how many desktops are being controlled.
- · A reporting function that can report estimated energy savings from activating power management.
Generally speaking, utilities recommend that users of PC Power Management Software “push” power management settings out to the fleet of controlled desktops that match the recommendations from the Climate Saving Computer Initiative.
Some utilities state requirements that average annual savings per desktop meet a minimum threshold (i.e. 120 or 200 kWh per year).
Some utilities have also expressly indicated that laptop stations are ineligible for inclusion in their rebate programs.
Finally, there are no utilities that pay more than the purchase price for a product, so if your cost per desktop controlled falls below the incentive level, expect reimbursement for the total cost only.
Partial List of Qualifying Vendors
- · 1E
- · BigFix
- · Faronics
- · SysTrack Power Management
- · ScriptLogic
- · Verdiem (Surveyor)
- · vPro (Microsoft)
Utility Program Offerings – Rebates
These utilities offer prescriptive rebates for PC Power Management Software.
|
Region/Utility |
Rebate Level |
|
California |
|
|
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power |
$15 per desktop |
|
Pacific Gas and Electric Company |
$15 per desktop |
|
Sacramento Municipal Utility District |
$10 per desktop |
|
San Diego Gas and Electric |
$15 per desktop |
|
Silicon Valley Power |
$15 per desktop |
|
Southern California Edison |
$15 per desktop |
|
Canada |
|
|
BC Hydro |
$6 per desktop (75% price cap) |
|
Manitoba Hydro |
$15 per desktop |
|
Pacific Northwest |
|
|
Bonneville Power Administration (130 utilities in Pacific Northwest) |
$10 per desktop |
|
Idaho Power |
$10 per desktop |
|
Seattle City Light |
$8 per desktop |
|
Snohomish PUD |
$8-10 per desktop |
|
Avista |
$10 per desktop |
Utility Programs – Incentives
Other utilities may be open to accepting performance-based incentive applications for PC Power Management Software implementation projects. In these cases, incentives will be paid for demonstrable energy savings based on a pre- and post-installation verification.
Most software packages are well suited to report energy savings, but the incentive application process is generally more time-intensive compared to prescriptive rebate programs.
Consulting Available
PC Power Management Software is an ideal measure for utility prescriptive rebate programs, addressing the needs of a wide variety of commercial and institutional customers. For utilities that are interested in exploring this program approach, please contact me for consultation.
Utility Program Documents
Pacific Gas and Electric Company customer marketing piece:
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