Shedding a little light...

There are a lot of questions surrounding the impending new law regarding incandescent and energy efficient light bulbs. After a little research, here are the facts.

Section 321 of the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA), passed by Congress and signed by President Bush in 2007, established increased minimum energy efficiency standards for general service lamps. EISA does not ban incandescent light bulbs but its minimum efficiency standards are high enough that the incandescent lamps currently most commonly used by consumers will not meet these new requirements. When implemented, the EISA will essentially eliminate 40, 60, 75 and 100 watt medium screw-based incandescent light bulbs.

The new law is implemented by the U.S. Dept. of Energy and it does not ban the use or purchase of incandescent bulbs nor does it ban the sale or manufacture of all incandescent bulbs, a common misconception. The law just bans common household incandescent bulbs that are not energy efficient and do not meet the new requirements. Additionally, the EISA does not mandate the use of CFLs, it simply requires 25% less energy use for household bulbs that typically consume between 40 and 100 watts of electricity.

There are a few exemptions for specialty type bulbs including three-way bulbs, chandelier bulbs, refrigerator bulbs, plant grow lights and a few other types. The law goes into effect January 1, 2012, and will be phased in over a period of three years.

For additional information click here to view a FAQ sheet from the EPA or click here for a link to the Energy Savers page for the U.S. Dept. of Energy.