Technology companies encourage feds to shut down computers

Four technology companies and an industry association are urging federal employees and contractors to shut down their computers, monitors and printers when leaving the office on Thursday.

The second annual Power IT Down Day, sponsored by Citrix Systems, Hewlett-Packard, Intel, Microsoft and the Professional Services Council, aims to raise awareness about the hundreds of thousands of dollars and kilowatts wasted by allowing electronic devices to run idle overnight.

While the day still centers on reducing carbon emissions by promoting responsible energy in the public and private sectors, promoters could get a boost this year because of the Obama administration's focus on shrinking the government's carbon footprint and energy costs. President Obama has proposed retrofitting federal buildings to improve energy efficiency by 25 percent within five years.

"The management of federal real property has been and continues to be one of the largest line items in the federal government's budget," said Tom Simmons, area vice president for Citrix Government Systems.

While the administration concentrates on the big picture, individual federal employees can take small steps to make a difference. According to Simmons, if 1 percent of the 1.8 million members of the civilian federal workforce turned off their processors, monitors and other electronic devices for one night, the government would save approximately $23,400.

"This one seemingly minor act of turning off a computer can actually have a significant impact on the amount of energy consumed by the government and its associated cost to the taxpayer," Simmons said.

PSC President Stan Soloway agreed, calling responsible energy use an "essential" both to the environment and to the government's bottom line.

Last year, more than 2,800 people participated in Power IT Down Day, saving more than 37,000 kilowatts of energy. As of Thursday morning, more than 4,400 people had registered, saving more than 57,000 kilowatts of energy. If those who have signed up actually power down, then the government will save approximately $5,700. If the same 4,400 powered down every night for a year, taxpayers would save more than $2 million.

The technology sponsors will donate a portion of the cost savings and at least $20,000 to the nonprofit Wounded Warrior Project. WWP provides programs and support for severely injured servicemen and women.