Penn issued a "Power Down Challenge" to encourage staff to turn off the lights, shut down office computers, copiers and printers from 3 to 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 17, 2010. This exercise in powering down will allow Penn to gauge the amount of energy it can conserve on a regular basis. In support of this effort, the Penn Museum hosted a "Power Down Garden Party" in the Warden Garden to encourage participation.

The change in electricity use during the "Challenge" hour will be measured against a baseline set from earlier that day. Penn has pledged to reduce its electricity use by three megawatts during the "Challenge," but is aiming for a reduction of five to six megawatts, enough energy to power approximately 500 homes for a whole year. This initiative is part of Penn's larger commitment to reduce energy use by 17 percent by 2014, as outlined in its Climate Action Plan.

Power Down visitors enjoyed free lemonade,Tastykakes, music, games, even a free giveaway of Penn beach pails for kids which grown-ups seemed to enjoy just as much, if not more.