An Award-Winning Energy Management Outlet

Computers, monitors, printers, and other office equipment typically continue to consume energy even after the office or school closes. Offices now on standby due to the pandemic are not immune from this waste. These plug and process loads (PPL) can account for more than 30% of a commercial building’s electricity consumption—and even more in high-efficiency buildings.

There are several strategies and products used to address PPL, including employee engagement initiatives (such as plug-load reduction contests), smart plugs with on/off controls, and complicated systems wired into building automation that allow full granular control of all loads. But employees can lose interest or get distracted in volunteer initiatives, most devices provide limited functionality and energy-consumption data, and complicated controls are expensive to install and can be difficult to operate and maintain, limiting their long-term effectiveness.