A method and system for controlling power consumption in a fiber channel switch element having a plurality of ports and plural links to communicate over a network is provided. The switch element includes, a power control module that is used to provide power to only active ports after firmware of fiber channel switch element determines the active ports. The method includes, determining active ports of the fiber channel switch element, after all the ports are shut down in a known state; and providing power to only the active ports. All ports are powered up during fiber channel switch element reset and then powered down (except a common port) so that the ports are shut down in a known state.