Energy Commission Adopts Lighting Standards That Will Save More Than $4 Billion in Electricity Costs

The California Energy Commission today adopted first-in-the-nation energy standards for the next generation of light bulbs. The standards cover small-diameter directional lamps, often used in track lighting, and general purpose light-emitting diodes – commonly called LEDs – used to replace typical existing home lighting.

With these new standards, consumers will save more than $4 billion in aggregate over the first 13 years and conserve enough electricity to power all the households in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties (about 400,000 average homes). Bulbs that meet the new standards are already available to consumers.

The adopted standards will save consumers money in electricity and bulb replacement costs. For a $4 investment in the more efficient small-diameter directional lamps, the Energy Commission estimates consumers will save nearly $250 in reduced energy and bulb replacement costs when averaged over 11 years. The lifetime savings for general purpose LEDs range from $4.50 to $12 and will likely grow as purchase prices continue to decline.

Small-diameter directional lamps
Small-diameter directional lamps are often used at commercial sites, such as stores and museums, for track lighting. The standards cover bulbs with a diameter of 2.25 inches or less and will go into effect January 1, 2018.

LEDs
The standards for LEDs include omnidirectional, directional, and decorative bulbs, as well as LEDs designed for retrofitting the covered socket types. LED bulbs consume less energy than other types of light bulbs and have a longer lifespan, making the lifetime energy savings far greater than the incremental cost.

The standards for LEDs include efficiency and quality improvements to initially take effect January 1, 2018. Additional amendments to strengthen efficiency and limit power in standby mode take effect July 1, 2019.

More information about the lighting standards are available, including a news release and frequently asked questions.