Editor’s Note: A headline and article in the Feb. 24 issue of The HVAC&R Industry incorrectly said that the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 bans incandescent bulbs. The law simply sets performance standards for the most common lamps (maximum wattage limits for given lumen output) and does not prohibit any kind of light. In fact, the requirements of the law can be met by cost-effective, advanced incandescent bulbs already on the market. The law enacted a consensus recommendation to Congress from lighting professionals, manufacturers, environmental advocates, and consumer groups. We apologize for re-publishing misleading information, and thank the people who brought this to our attention.
Curious about what this means, I searched and found this excerpt from Wikipedia:
Under the law, incandescent bulbs that produce 310–2600 lumens of light are effectively phased out between 2012 and 2014. Bulbs outside this range (roughly, light bulbs currently less than 40 watts or more than 150 watts) are exempt from the ban. Also exempt are several classes of specialty lights, including appliance lamps, “rough service” bulbs, 3-way, colored lamps, and plant lights.[23]
By 2020, a second tier of restrictions would become effective, which requires all general-purpose bulbs to produce at least 45 lumens per watt (similar to current CFLs). Exemptions from the Act include reflector flood, 3-way, candelabra, colored, and other specialty bulbs.
The phase-out of incandescent light bulbs was supported by the Alliance to Save Energy, a coalition of light bulb manufacturers, electric utilities and conservation groups. The group estimated that lighting accounts for 22% of total U.S. electricity usage, and that eliminating incandescent bulbs completely would save $18 billion per year (equivalent to the output of 80 coal plants).[24] Light bulb manufacturers also hoped a single national standard would prevent the enactment of conflicting bans and efficiency standards by state governments.
GE will introduce a new Hybrid Halogen – CFL contained in an incandescent shaped glass bulb. The new lamp will be introduced on Earth Day 2011 (April 22). These new GE CFLs offer eight times the life of incandescent bulbs (8,000 hours vs. 1,000 hours). The new products—RoHS-compliant 15- and 20-watt GE Energy Smart Soft White (2700 Kelvin) and Reveal (2500 Kelvin) CFLs with exceptionally low levels of mercury (1 mg) can replace standard 60- and 75-watt incandescent bulbs or other CFLs that don’t offer a satisfactory quality of light or instant brightness. Currently available CFLs contain 1.5 mg to 3.5 mg of mercury. For more information see this link: http://www.ecnmag.com/Products/2011/04/Opto-and-displays/Hybrid-halogen-CFL-bulb/
The Energy Act legislation directs many different aspects for energy reduction and energy efficiency to be implemented for the next several years. For example, the Act also “accelerates the implementation of energy efficiency technologies in the existing Federal Buildings and requires that federal building renovated or newly construction in 2010 reduce their fossil fuel generated consumption by 55% in 2010 and 100% by 2030. The Secretary of Energy is directed to identify a green building system and level of applicable to Federal Buildings.” As with most legislation, congress must fund the requirements and develop additional criteria to fully implement it. Stay tuned…this will take some time and brain power.
For more information on the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, follow the link: http://energy.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=IssueItems.Detail&IssueItem_ID=f10ca3dd-fabd-4900-aa9d-c19de47df2da&Month=12&Year=2007
- By, Tracey Whaley, Government Activities Chair, 2010-2011
