FAIRFIELD, Conn.--Sept. 19, 2003--General Electric is joining the ENERGY STAR (R) Million Monitor Drive, a new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency campaign to address efficient power management. GE has pledged to enable energy saving power management features on approximately 100,000 computer monitors across their U.S. based businesses.
The feature automatically powers down monitors when they are idle for 20 minutes. This monitor power management will not affect computer or network performance. A simple touch of the mouse or keyboard "wakes" the machine within seconds.
A minor change such as this can have significant amounts of energy and cost savings. Once all GE sites are on board, this initiative will save GE nearly 42 million kilowatt hours per year, or enough electricity to light nearly 400,000 U.S. homes per month. It will have a related reduction in Greenhouse Gas emissions (carbon dioxide) by over 27,000 Metric Tons per year, the equivalent of more than 6,000 autos taken off the road. As a byproduct, GE will also see savings in its energy costs.
Steve Ramsey, GE Vice President of Environmental Programs, comments, "GE is committed to using energy efficiently, and the simple act of powering down our computer screens is helping us reduce our energy use, save money and set a positive example in the community."
"Energy Star is happy to recognize GE for its commitment to saving energy and protecting the environment," said Steve Ryan of EPA Program Manager. "If every business in the United States follows GE's example and enables its computer monitors for power management, the country could save more than 11 billion kilowatt hours of electricity, and the reduction in air pollution would be equal to removing 1.5 million cars from the road for one year."
Energy Star, jointly managed by the EPA and the DOE, allows consumers to easily identify energy-efficient appliances, electronics, office equipment, lighting, heating and cooling equipment, buildings and homes. GE offers more that 230 Energy Star appliances and lighting products - the longest line of energy-efficient products in the U.S.
GE (NYSE: GE) is a diversified technology and services company dedicated to creating products that make life better. From aircraft engines and power generation to financial services, medical imaging, television programming and plastics, GE operates in more than 100 countries and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's Web site at http://www.ge.com
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