California Is First State To Set Energy-Efficiency Limits For Computers

California is the first state to adopt efficiency standards for computers and monitors, the state's energy commission announced this week. The commission approved regulations that limit the amount of energy computers and small servers can use when they are idling, asleep or turned off. The regulations for monitors will also limit the amount of energy the apparatus uses when it is turned on. "It's common sense that electronic equipment ought to consume a minimal amount of energy when it is not being used," energy commissioner Andrew McAllister said in a statement. The commission estimates computers and monitors in the state use more than 5,600 gigawatts-hours of electricity.