Gen. Hoffman: More aggressive computer power savings sought

HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- In a memo dated March 2, Gen. Donald J. Hoffman, commander of the Air Force Materiel Command, issued new guidelines for the reconfiguration of computer monitor sleep mode settings, with a reminder of the need "to adopt a culture of conservation and innovation when it comes to our energy resources."

The new guidelines call for computer users to shut off their desktop monitors and peri-pheral computer equipment whenever they will be away from their desks for longer than 30 minutes. This includes such items as scanners, local printers and speakers.

Sleep mode should kick in within 11 minutes of inactivity for desktop monitors and computers should kick in to sleep mode after 60 minutes of inactivity. Such changes are estimated to equal a prospective savings of $2.2 million per year.

"When multiplied by more than 100,000 AFMC computers, the savings really add up," the memo stated.

There will be a supplement added to the AFMC AFI 33-100, "User Responsibilities and Guidance on Information Systems," reflecting changes in policy.