The Department of Energy (DOE) has extended the comment period for proposed energy efficiency standards for general service lamps (GSLs) until February 23, 2015. Documents associated with this set of standards are Docket No. EERE-2013-BT-STD-0051. There is a link on that page to submit comments.
You may recall that the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) set minimum efficiency standards for medium screw base (a.k.a. E26) general service lamps (a summary of requirements and exemptions is here). Those minimum standards were phased in by wattage and now cover GSLs from 40 to 100W. Decorative and other specialty lamps are excluded. A public meeting and webcast was held on January 20th to explain the new standards for consumer lamps. You can download a PDF of the presentation here. It’s a long presentation of 94 slides, so here’s a summary.
1. The DOE is considering establishing standards for the following lamp types:
- Integrated, non-reflector, medium screw base lamps with a lumen output between 310 and 2,600 lumens
- GU24 base, non-reflector lamps with a lumen output between 310 and 2,600 lumens
- Non-integrated, non-reflector, pin base, CFLs with a lumen output between 310 and 2,600 lumens
2. The DOE is considering requiring the following lamps, which are currently exempted from EISA requirements, to comply with the new standards:
- Left-handed thread
- Marine
- Reflector
- Rough service
- Shatter-resistant
- 3-way
- Vibration service
- Specific lamp shapes
3. The DOE is also considering not setting standards for certain lamp types for reasons that include:
- Low potential for energy savings
- Technological infeasibility
- Restrictions from the Appropriations Rider
There are over three dozen identified issues that are open for comment. These standards will have a far reaching effect, so I urge you to look over the presentation and submit comments.