Regulatory Trendspotting: Computer Energy Efficiency Regs. 1st in the U.S.

The state: California

The state agency: California Energy Commission

The regulations: energy-efficiency standards for computers and monitors sold in the state, including:

• After 15 minutes of inactivity the monitor turns off
• After 30 minutes of inactivity the computer enters sleep mode

Regulatory history: Proposed in March 2015. Phased introduction of standards from Jan. 1, 2018, to July 1, 2021.

Energy savings: 

• 2,332 gigawatt-hours a year
• $373 million annually in utility bills
• Will be able to power 350,000 homes for a year

Sacramento Bee | California adopts nation’s first energy-efficiency standards for computers, monitors