Question:

I know there are different schools of thought regarding whether or not computers should be turned off when not in use, but I wondered how much energy a computer uses. Do you have any idea?

Answer:

The Gainesville Regional Utilities company publishes a great deal of information on energy use in buildings. The company's information shows that, based on current average rates, a computer and monitor use about 2 cents per hour of energy. (Add another penny per hour for the printer.) So the electric cost is minimal. For a computer that's left on, the cost is only about 50 cents a day. But wait a minute. That's $15 a month, or about $180 per year. That's the funny thing about energy costs- they add up fast. If your computer manufacturer doesn't recommend leaving the system turned on all the time, then you might be able to save a fairly decent amount of money by turning it off when it is not being used.

Item from Austin American Statesman by Ken Sheinkopf. He is the interim director of development for the Florida Solar Energy Center. Write to him at: the Florida Solar Energy Center, 1679 Clearlake Road, Coca, Fla. 329222.