80 PLUS(R) Reaches Major Milestone, Welcomes HP to Energy Efficiency Program.

World's No. 1 PC Manufacturer to Offer 80 PLUS([R]) Qualified Computers

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Ecos Consulting is pleased to announce the addition of HP to the 80 PLUS([R]) Program with its commitment to offer customers an 80 PLUS certified power supply option on its HP Compaq 7000 and 5000 series business PCs starting in January 2007. HP is the first major computer manufacturer to support the innovative energy efficiency program, which is funded by electric utilities and market transformation organizations throughout North America.

The 80 PLUS Program certifies and pays incentives for computers that utilize a new generation of energy-efficient power supplies that are power factor corrected and at least 80 percent efficient at converting high voltage AC power from the wall outlet into low voltage DC power for use inside the computer. To help cover the incremental cost of power supplies that meet the stringent efficiency requirement, the program's sponsors are offering more than $5 million in financial incentives and marketing support for qualified desktop computers and desktop-derived servers that use certified power supplies. 80 PLUS qualified computers use 15 percent to 25 percent less electricity than typical computers. Additionally, 80 PLUS addresses power consumption when the computer is actually in use (called active mode). Traditional approaches for energy savings in consumer and office electronics have focused solely on "sleep" or "standby" modes (i.e., when the product is not in use).

"When Ecos launched 80 PLUS in fall 2004, it had only one sponsor, one certified power supply and little interest from the major computer OEMs in participating," said Jon Thomsen, program director for Ecos Consulting, which manages the 80 PLUS Program. "We thank the early adopters who helped build the momentum and applaud HP for making this bold step."

Ecos Consulting launched the 80 PLUS Program to challenge the nation's computer industry to improve the energy efficiency of their machines. It provided the mechanism for positive change in the industry, illustrated in the timeline below:

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"We are pleased to be the first major computer manufacturer to support the 80 PLUS Program," said Jeff Groudan, vice president, Business PC Marketing, Personal Systems Group, HP. "It is part of our commitment to offering customers a variety of affordable, energy-efficient desk-based products to help reduce their overall costs and impact on the environment."

Additionally, highly efficient power supplies are a key element of the recently released Version 4.0 ENERGY STAR([R]) Computer Specification. ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. Products that have earned the ENERGY STAR save energy and prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines. The new ENERGY STAR computer specification features comprehensive performance requirements across all modes of a computer's operation and requires use of a power supply that meets the 80 PLUS standard. The ENERGY STAR specification addresses desktop and notebook computers, workstations, integrated computers, desktop-derived servers and game consoles. It will go into effect July 20, 2007. For more information about the new ENERGY STAR specification, visit http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=revisions.computer_spec.

Nearly all desktop computers and desktop-derived servers can take advantage of more efficient drop-in power supplies. Energy consumption may be reduced by 15 percent to 25 percent without costly, time-consuming redesigns of the entire computer. Consumers gain considerable benefits from 80 PLUS certified power supplies:

* Utility bill savings over the life of the computer are typically $25 to $30 for desktop computers running eight hours a day, five days a week (more if the computers are in continuous use) and more than $100 for desktop-derived servers.

* The reduced heat output and improvements in power quality can increase the overall computer reliability by up to 40 percent.

* Power factor correction reduces the cost of providing electrical service and helps to minimize interference and losses in the wiring within a building, an important benefit for utilities and large commercial and institutional customers.

Electric utilities and energy efficiency programs across North America have joined 80 PLUS to help offset the extra cost of making desktop computers and desktop-derived servers more energy efficient. The utilities save electricity for less than the cost of generating it, and computer purchasers get more efficient machines with better power quality for little or no extra cost compared to computers with conventional power supplies. The 80 PLUS Program offers manufacturers of desktop computers and desktop-derived servers $5 and $10 incentives respectively for every unit containing a certified power supply that is sold in participating sponsors' service territories.

About the 80 PLUS Program

The 80 PLUS([R]) Program was designed and is administered by Ecos Consulting (www.ecosconsulting.com), an energy efficiency firm that leverages the power of the market to accelerate sales of energy-efficient technologies. Program sponsors and supporters include the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Sacramento Municipal Utility District, NStar, Efficiency Vermont, National Grid, NYSERDA, Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, Xcel Energy, Western Massachusetts Electric, Hydro Quebec and Natural Resources Canada. For a complete list of participating computer manufacturers and certified power supply models, visit www.80PLUS.org.