Understanding the 2012 Lighting Legislation

Overview: 2012 Lighting Legislation 2011 California Lighting Legislation The Details: 2012 Lighting Legislation

Here’s To a Brighter Future. Learn more about the 2012 Lighting Legislation and what it means for you.

What does the legislation say?
Between 2012 and 2014, standard A-line 40- and 100-watt incandescent light bulbs must use 30% less energy, but produce the same light output as the incandescent bulbs most of us use today.

2012: 100W phase out; 2013: 75W phase out; 2014: 40W & 60W phase out

What does this mean for me?
While you won’t be required to throw out your existing bulbs, you may be surprised when trying to find the same replacements at the store. After 2012, you’ll find that these bulbs will have to be replaced with energy-efficient options, such as Halogen, CFL and LED light bulbs.

Standard incandescent bulbs will be replaced with energy-efficient options such as Halogen, CFL, and LED light bulbs.

How much energy can an energy-efficient lighting really save?
The most common alternative to incandescents used today is the CFL. While the upfront investment is more for these bulbs, the cost is more than offset in money savings and product longevity.

Using a GE Energy Smart® CFL vs. standard incandescent bulb

Close Window close Using a GE Energy Smart® CFL vs. standard incandescent bulb
EXPENDITURES EXAMPLE STANDARD 60-WATT INCANDESCENT 15-WATT SPIRAL® BULB
Illustration initial purchase price, per bulb $0.27 $3.77
Illustration replacement cost (need to purchase 7 more) $1.89 $0.00
Energy cost (based on $0.10 per kWh over the life of the 8,000-hour bulb) $48.00 $12.00
Total cost $50.16 $15.77
savings in this example = $34.39

Are there really comparable CFL replacements?
Yes! There are shapes, sizes and color temperatures available for nearly every fixture in the home.

What replacement options are there beyond CFLs?
LEDs and halogen lighting are the two other options that meet the requirements of the 2012 Lighting Legislation. There are GE Halogen options for nearly every fixture in the home. GE Energy Smart® LEDs are a great option for accent lighting.

GE Energy Smart® LEDs

  • Last up to 13 years based on rated life at 4 hours/day usage
  • Cost as low as $.08/year to operate based on $.10/kWh electric rate and 1,500 hours use/year

GE Halogen bulbs

  • Produce bright, crisp light — the “designers’ choice” for lighting
  • Last up to 50% longer than incandescents
  • Retain brightness over the course of its life
  • Fully dimmable
  • Instantly reaches full brightness
Maryrose Sylvester, President & CEO, GE Lighting

GE’s Point of View:
A Transforming Global Lighting Industry

Find out about the transformation of the global lighting industry and how it affects you!

For more information
Download PDF

President & CEO, GE Lighting
Maryrose Sylvester

Are there exceptions to the ban?
Specialty bulbs, such as refrigerator bulbs, etc.

Can changing light bulbs really make a difference?
According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, lighting eats up 20% of the average household energy bill. What could this mean for the American economy? Consumers could save $40 billion in energy from 2012 to 2030*.

*Source: American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy

More Bright Ideas:

Learn more at energystar.gov.