In recent years, the ruling to phase out incandescent lightbulbs has sparked heated debates and generated a fair share of misinformation. Let's delve into the most common myths surrounding the ban and set the record straight.
August 11, 2023
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Congress as part of the bipartisan Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) directed DOE to review the standards for the most common light bulbs to see if efficiency improvements are warranted. DOE recently issued a final rule adopting updated standards for general service lamps, which will require compliance in 2028, that build on the Congressional phase out of incandescent lightbulbs. While intended to promote energy efficiency and save consumers on their utility bills, misconceptions have clouded the discussion. Let's delve into the most common myths surrounding lightbulb standards and set the record straight.
Myth #1: “The government is banning all lightbulbs.”
Reality: The US government is not banning all lightbulbs; all of the different sizes and shapes of light bulbs that you see on the shelf today will remain. DOE is just making them more efficient by setting a higher minimum efficiency standard as directed by Congress. Compliance with the higher standard will not be required until 2028, so manufacturers will have plenty of time to ensure that more-efficient LEDs are readily-available in the volumes needed to support the market. Consumers will still be able to choose from a variety of LEDs bulbs, which are more energy-efficient and longer-lasting. Specialized incandescent bulbs – like bug lights and those that go inside ovens – are exempt from this new rule.
Myth #2: “DOE just banned incandescents and is now setting a higher standard – this is government overreach on behalf of the Biden-Harris administration.”
Reality: EISA – signed into law by President George W. Bush – was a bipartisan effort aimed at reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing energy independence. In addition to setting energy efficiency standards for various appliances and lighting options, including the phase out for incandescent lightbulbs, it required DOE to assess higher standards for lightbulbs. DOE is just following Congress’s mandate and putting in place a future standard for light bulbs to save consumers money.
Myth #3: “DOE is further taking away light bulbs from the market. I won’t be able to find the bulbs I need.”
Reality: LED lamps represent a significant majority of the current light bulb market and will represent the vast majority (98%) by the compliance year. The features that consumers often desire, such as a warm color temperature and dimmability, are currently available at the new efficiency standard level, and DOE expects options will continue to grow as manufacturer innovation occurs.
Myth #4: “Higher efficiency light bulbs are more costly.”
Reality: While it's true that higher efficiency light bulbs tend to have a higher upfront cost (around $5 to $6 per bulb for the most common types) than the least efficient light bulbs currently on the market (around $3 to $4 per bulb for the most common types), this is offset by their longer lifespan and lower energy consumption. High-efficiency LED bulbs last longer than CFLs and save consumers money on their electricity bills over their lifetime compared to less-efficient LEDs and CFLs, often showing less than a 1-year payback period based on the energy and cost savings.