The Calvert County government has pledged to switch off all of its nonessential computer equipment at the end of the work day on Thursday, August 27 as part of the second annual Power IT Down Day. The national event highlights how government and industry can reduce energy consumption and cut costs by shutting down computers and peripherals after work hours.

On Power IT Down Day, Calvert County employees will shut down approximately 750 desktop computers and monitors, along with printers, scanners and other peripheral equipment. Over one night, this simple step will reduce county government electricity consumption by more than 3.3 million watts or 3,350 kilowatt-hours, saving more than $400 in energy costs.

“Many of our employees already practice this easy cost-saving measure,” said Calvert County Administrator Terry Shannon. “Power IT Down Day is a high-profile way to reinforce the idea and show exactly how the flip of a switch can significantly reduce energy consumption when everyone participates.”

Last year, over 2,800 government and industry employees pledged to power down their computers, printers and monitors on Power IT Down Day, resulting in a one-day savings of over 37,000 kilowatt-hours. If only one percent of county governments’ 2.9 million employees participated in Power IT Down Day, more than 380,000 kilowatt-hours could be saved. That comes to an energy cost savings of more than $38,000 in a single night.

Microsoft, Citrix, HP and Intel are joining government and industry to promote Power IT Down Day. The technology companies will donate a portion of Power IT Down energy cost savings to the Wounded Warrior Project. For more information about Power IT Down Day, visit http://h10038.www1.hp.com/poweritdown.asp.