DOE unveils proposal for new light bulb efficiency standards

The U.S. Department of Energy has released proposed new energy efficiency standards for light bulbs.

“The proposed rule would set an efficiency level that is not particular to any technology, but which today only LEDs meet,” according to an article posted on the department’s web site. “But these rules take a long-term approach, coming into effect in 2020. Manufacturers and consumers have three years from issuance of a final rule to prepare for these new standards and to continue to support cutting edge research in lighting technologies to ensure that there is a wide range of options on the hardware store shelf.”

The new lighting standard would apply to General Service Lamps, including LED and compact fluorescent lights. The proposed standards would not apply to incandescent bulbs, which will instead need to meet the congressionally mandated backstop starting in 2020.