Data structure for budgeting power for multiple devices

A method implemented at least in part by a computer, the method comprising:

• obtaining power capabilities of a plurality of devices from one or more data structures that reside externally from the plurality of devices, wherein a power capability indicates a power level at which a device is capable of operating, wherein each of the devices is capable of operating at at least one power level;
• obtaining a power budget that indicates a maximum power allotted to the plurality of devices;
• and
• taking an action based on the power capabilities and the power budget.

A computer-readable medium having having stored thereon a data structure, comprising:

• a plurality of fields for storing power levels of a plurality of devices that are allotted a power budget over which a combined power draw of the devices is not to exceed, each power level indicating a maximum power its corresponding device is not to exceed at the power level;
• a plurality of fields for storing associations between the power levels and the devices, each power level being associated with at least one of the plurality of devices that is capable of operating at the power level;
• and
• a group field for associating the plurality of devices with the power budget.