The Data Centre Incentive Program (DCIP) provides a positive contribution to your company’s bottom line by encouraging and rewarding the reduction of electricity demand in data centre operations through the implementation of energy efficiency projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do data centres need our attention?

What are the benefits?

What are some typical program measures?

Who do I contact for more information on the DCIP?

How do I manage my data centre e-waste?

Where can I learn more about DCIP?

Why do data centres need our attention?

Data centres account for 2% of the worldwide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the growth of data centre energy use is quickly outpacing the growth of other commercial building types. Energy and space efficiency will address constraints to growth, reduce operation costs, support internal green initiatives and help Ontario meet its environmental targets.

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What are the benefits?

Incentives will be paid to program participants at a rate of $300/kw to a maximum of 50% of the project cost for verified peak kW reductions. In addition, program participants will benefit from cost savings on their electricity bills, operating cost savings from more efficient equipment and design, and cost avoidance with more efficient use of IT equipment. Program participants can also take advantage of PowerStream's Electricity Retrofit Incentive Program which will provide additional incentives for any approved measures completed outside the DCIP project scope. These savings together with the program incentives can provide a payback of less than two years. Total annual savings in electricity alone could be upwards of 30%.

Read a case study: Welcome to AMD's world of green computing 

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What are some typical program measures?

Operational and planning actions such as virtualization, standardization, right-sizing, energy efficient equipment and design will all systematically reduce power consumption and can be applied to many IT and Non-IT Systems, such as:

Contact PowerStream by email to datacentre@powerstream.ca or by telephone at 905-532-4427.

• Download the program application form here

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How do I manage my data centre e-waste?

PowerStream encourages all DCIP participants to take part in a waste diversion plan for equipment that is made available for reuse, refurbishment, recycling or end-of-life. Equipment can contain materials such as lead, cadmium and mercury, which if not handled properly could have environmental impacts and cause health and safety concerns. Proper management and safe handling of this equipment is crucial and will ensure that unwanted equipment is reused, recycled and will not flow to landfills or developing nations.

To ensure that your unwanted equipment is managed properly, be sure to engage your service provider or visit www.dowhatyoucan.ca, a program run by the Ontario Electronic Stewardship (OES), to find a certified e-waste recyclers near you.

About the OES: The OES is an industry funded organization that operates the provincial e-waste program. A major focus of the organization is setting and monitoring the standards for e-waste collection and processing by municipalities and private recycling companies. The standards are intended to assist in determining if end-of-life electronic products are managed in an environmentally sound manner that safeguards worker health and safety and the environment from the point of primary processing to final disposition. For more information about OES, please visit their website www.ontarioelectronicstewardship.ca.

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Where can I learn more about DCIP?

Learn more about the DCIP at these upcoming events: 

• April 20, 2010 - iTech Infrastructure Technology Summit
  Location: International Conference Centre 6900 Airport Road, Mississauga

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