Department of Energy finalizes updates to lightbulb efficiency standards

In a move the Biden administration claims could save American as much as $1 trillion over three decades, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently finalized energy efficiency standards for general service lamps.

While the new standards won’t go into effect until July 2028 for newly produced bulbs, this will eventually impact most common types of residential and commercial lightbulbs, as part of a Congressionally-mandated plan to update appliance efficiency. DOE said this should also cut 70 million metric tons of CO2 emissions over the next 30 years, which would be equivalent to the combined annual emissions of more than 9 million homes.

The primary thing to note about this update is that it will raise the efficiency level of the most common lightbulbs from 45 lumens per watt to more than 120 lumens per watt. This would put things more in line with the more efficient and long-lasting LED bulbs more commonplace in recent years. Consumer use and purchase of already manufactured, older bulbs will not be impacted.

“Making common household appliances more efficient is one of the most effective ways to slash energy costs and cut harmful carbon emissions,” U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm said. “Under President Biden and as directed by Congress, DOE is following the lead of lightbulb manufacturers, helping American families flip the switch on massive energy savings through strengthened energy efficiency standards.”

DOE added that the new standards can be met by a wide variety of LED bulbs but not by compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs), reflecting an already ongoing transition. LEDS also provide longer lifespans, lower electricity usage and notable lack of mercury.