Computer Efficiency

Saving energy and money while supporting computer demands.

To manage growing computer energy needs, businesses are finding ways of managing the increased hardware and software demands without adding more electric demands. From upgrading to energy-efficient equipment to adding virtual desktop infrastructure, there are solutions today that provide desktop control and long-term energy savings, companywide.

If your upgrades include adopting a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) such as Thin Client, Zero Client or PC Power management software, we provide money-saving rebates to offset your costs.

VDI's not only increase energy savings, these systems also improve data security and increase reliability and productivity. Schools, hospitals and municipalities are finding these modern computing technologies to save energy and money.

VDI 101: Thin Clients versus Zero Clients

With thin clients, the operating system resides on the device, but application processing is on a server. With zero clients, everything runs on the server. Both thin and zero clients are becoming go-to solutions for a space-saving, efficient approach to PC upgrades for many businesses.

Reasons to Adopt VDIs

• Increased security by reducing risk of viruses
• Reduced administration and end user support enabling Administrators to perform changes via terminal servers
• Adding or replacing clients is far easier
• Disaster recovery is easier since data is stored on the server
• Lower power consumption
• Easy licensing management

Get Started

After you have purchased and installed new qualifying equipment or software, you have 12 months from the equipment invoice date to apply for a Computer Efficiency rebate.

Complete and submit the Computer Efficiency Application one of two ways:

1. Complete the editable PDF and email to energyefficiency@xcelenergy.com
2. Or, submit your application online.

Submit your online application

Questions? Call Xcel Energy's Business Solutions Center at 855-839-8862 to learn about ways to find energy efficiency ideas within your server areas.

Eligibility

• To be qualified you must be an Xcel Energy business electric customer in our Colorado, Minnesota or New Mexico service areas.
• Your purchased equipment must be new. Please see application for a full list of eligible equipment.
• Each VDI device must be a maximum of 17 watts to qualify.

Additional Information & Materials

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure Information Sheet (PDF)
Remote PC Power Management Information Sheet (PDF)
HealthPartners Case Study (PDF)
CO - Business Programs Summary (PDF)
NM - Business Programs Summary (PDF)
MN - Business Programs Summary (PDF)