The US Energy Department is turning off incandescent bulbs. In 2023, the agency will require that lighting manufacturers sell only fluorescent and LED lighting. The change is designed to improve energy efficiency, reduce costs for consumers, and cut carbon emissions, but requires an upfront cost for buyers.
In 2020, about 30% of the light bulbs sold in the United States were incandescent or halogen incandescent bulbs. The lighting industry has been slowly moving away from these older technologies, and the new law dramatically accelerates that transition.
Why the Change?
Several factors are driving the changes. A big one is the older designs are not as energy efficient as other options. Raising energy efficiency standards will reduce consumer and business energy spending by $3 billion annually, according to Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm. Compact fluorescent and LED bulbs that last 25 to 50 times longer than incandescent bulbs.
The new rule also expects to cut carbon emissions by 222 million metric tons over the next 30 years, an amount equivalent to emissions generated by 28 million homes in one year.
Buyers will face one shortcoming. The older lighting cost less initially than the new options.
Beginning in January 2023, lighting suppliers will no longer be able to manufacture incandescent bulbs. Retailer will not be able to sell them by July of next year.Â
Lighting is a major energy consumer. Changes are coming at the start of next year, so incandescent bulbs will no longer be available. Â