The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy under the Department of Energy in U.S. has recently proposed a new lighting standard to make general service fluorescent lamps (GSFLs) and incandescent reflector lamps (IRLs) more energy efficient.

The two standards will improve reflector lamp efficiency by 70 percent, and improve fluorescent tube lamp efficiency by 23 percent, according to Appliance Standards Awareness Project (ASAP).

In terms of the standards industry impact, DOE estimated GSFL manufacturers will initially lose 2.6% of the current industry net present value (INPV), equivalent to US$ 39.9 million based on 2012 currency values. However, U.S. manufacturers will not be facing closures because of the new standards. As of 2012, the industry INPV is estimated at US$ 1.54 billion.

DOE proposed energy conservation standards for GSFL. (Image Courtesy of DOE)

In contrast, the IRL industry will be incurring heavier losses under the proposed regulations. The DOE noted the IRL industry could lose up to 29.5 percent or US$ 51.8 million based on 2012 currency values. U.S. IRL manufacturers also reported during interviews with DOE the possibility of shutdowns. However, the new standards are expected to save IRL consumers US$ 180 million to US$ 280 million in costs.

DOE proposed energy conservation standards for IRL. (Image Courtesy of DOE)

Major traditional lighting manufacturers including GE Lighting, Osram Sylvania and Philips Lighting will be impacted by DOE’s proposed standards, according to a Bloomberg report. The report also noted the new standards are expected to help cut 12% energy consumption for IRL and GSFLs, and cut carbon emissions by 170 million metric tons.

The proposed standards will build upon a 2009 standard. The final ruling on the standards scheduled for November 2014 and will be implemented in 2017.