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Is it true that incandescents will be phased out by 2012?

The Energy Bill, which was signed by President Bush in December of 2007, requires that all light bulbs use 30 percent less energy than the incandescent bults that we are using today, and this change be made by 2012-2014. The phase-out will begin with 100-watt bulbs in January 2012 and will end with 40-watt bulbs in January 2014. Then, by 2020, a Tier 2 will become effective that will require bulbs to be at least 70 percent more efficient, which by comparison, is equivalent to the CFLs available today.

If a new generation of incandescent bulbs is developed by 2012 that is at least 30 percent more efficient, then we could see incandescent bulbs continue. And the law applies to the sale of bulbs...not the use of existing bulbs in stock.

Lighting is approximately 20% of the average household’s energy bill. NRDC estimates this law could cut our nation’s electric bill by more than $10 billion a year.

There are several types of incandescent bulbs that are exempt from this law:

• Specialty light (ie. bulb in refrigerator)
• Reflector bulbs
• 3-way bulbs
• Candelabras
• Globes
• Shatter resistant
• Vibration service
• Rough service
• Colored bulbs (i.e. "party bulbs")
• Bug lights
• Plant lights

SOURCE: Energy Star

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