These programs push companies to construct more energy efficient data centers, or to consolidate compute, storage and networking resources via virtualization technologies.
This idea is being pushed by organizations such as The Green Grid, Climate Savers Computing Initiative and the Silicon Valley Leadership Group.
Customer demand for energy rebates encourages the development of programs for IT vendors' computers, storage, networking or data center facilities.
IT vendors are taking steps to provide more energy efficient IT systems and working with utilities to secure rebate savings for customers and their new installations.
Utilizing energy efficient equipment and testing results of your data center enable companies to pin point where potential cost-cutting procedures can take place.
Customers can benefit from lower monthly lease payments, or accept the rebate as a cash infusion for their business or IT project.
Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) targeted energy savings toward the IT industry (and other commercial businesses).
• Perform all spreadsheet development, document assumptions and produce an energy calculator according to utilities’ requirements, which will vary.
• Develop an additional validation report (if needed) to describe the energy savings and resulting rebate due to the installation of more efficient IT equipment and/or data center.
These energy savings incentives are offered by PG&E in 2009:[7] 1) IT Equipment Energy (Fans, Motors, Variable Speed Drives, Air Compression Systems) • Rebate is based on the first year’s energy savings calculated • 9 cent incentive per kWh saved • Varies by utility 2) HVAC Energy (Air Conditioning and Refrigeration) • Rebate is based on the first year’s energy savings calculated • 15 cent incentive per kWh saved • Varies by utility 3) On-Peak Demand Reduction • Based on reduction of kW during On-Peak Demand • Varies by utility 4) Server Reduction due to Consolidation and/or Virtualization • Rebate is based on the number of physical servers reduced • Up to a $200 rebate for each server removed • Pre- and post-inspection required • Varies by utility Maximum allowable energy rebates offered by qualifying utilities under the Non-Residential New Construction program will vary somewhat.
[8] Program #2: Non-Residential Retrofit (NRR) Program Customers installing new IT equipment can save electricity costs by qualifying for customized incentives for business energy efficiency retrofit projects involving the installation of high efficiency equipment or data center facilities.
Customers and/or their Energy Certification Partners may sponsor projects under this approach and can assist with the completion of application forms, confirmation of eligibility, and guidance on any the technical aspects.