Beginning January 1, 2012, manufacturers must adhere to new efficiency standards.
(The following information was excerpted from LumenNow.org, a consortium dedicated to facilitating consumer educated energy-efficient lighting decisions.)
The Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007, signed by President George W. Bush on December 18, 2007, is a technology-neutral performance standard that requires bulbs to meet a basic level of energy efficiency. There will still be certain types of incandescents on the market.
Additionally, traditional incandescent bulbs will still be available for certain specialty applications, including heat lamps, appliance lights, aquarium bulbs, candelabra, decorative tinted and colored lights. and it is not forcing people to buy CFLs but rather requiring that regular light bulbs use less energy. Consumers will have a range of better bulb choices in a variety of colors, bulb types, and light levels. The standard is not a ban and does not select one technology over another.
Benchmarks have been set to create realistic and smooth changes:
- As of January 1, 2012, light bulbs as bright as a 100 watt traditional incandescent bulb can use no more than 72 watts of electricity,
- As of January 1, 2014, the standard applies to 60 watt bulbs, which can not use more than 43 watts and 40 watt bulbs can not use more than 29 watts, and
- Additional savings begin in 2020.
The light bulb standard has spurred innovation in lighting and given consumers more choices. There are now new options like halogen. Manufacturers across the country are producing light bulbs that meet the standard’s requirements.
Get more information on CFLs, halogen incandescent bulbs and LEDs at LumenNow.org. Need some guidance on shopping for the right type of lighting for different areas of your home? Use the ENERGY STAR Choose a Light Guide.