**IT load** refers to the total amount of power consumed by all the IT equipment used to process, store, and transmit data. This includes [[servers]], storage devices, networking equipment, and other computing devices. IT load is one of the critical factors in determining a data center's overall power usage, and it directly influences the energy efficiency of the facility. IT load is measured in kilowatts (kW) or megawatts (MW) and is a key metric for evaluating a data center’s capacity and operational efficiency. The Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) metric, which compares the total power used by the data center to the power used by the IT equipment, relies on IT load as the denominator. ### Components typically included in IT load: - **Servers**: The primary units responsible for data processing. - **Storage systems**: Devices that store large volumes of data. - **Networking equipment**: Routers, switches, and other hardware for data transmission. - **Cooling and power distribution** systems are not part of IT load but are included in total facility power. The goal for most data centers is to optimize IT load and reduce energy waste, thus improving efficiency and reducing operating costs.