As we have reported here, a dim-witted attempt was made in the U.S. Congress to roll back energy efficiency standards for light bulbs.
A rather silly column in the Boston Globe on this subject inspired a good editorial in response, and raft of letters to the editor, including one from the CEO of major light bulb manufacturer Phillips Lighting North America noting that the law criticized in the column would not ban incandescent light bulbs, limit consumer choice or force people to buy very expensive light bulbs:
. . . With this law consumers now have more choice than ever before, including new energy-efficient incandescent light bulbs that meet the new requirements.
Already on retail shelves and selling for as little as $1.49, energy-efficient incandescents look and feel the same as the light bulbs consumers have been using for more than 100 years, but they use almost 30 percent less energy. They are no more fragile than their traditional incandescent sibling, and some can last as much as 3,000 hours, or three times longer than Edison’s bulb.
The savings from these new choices are a direct result of government, business, and industry working together to drive innovation and improve energy efficiency. At a time when families are struggling with high energy costs, these new minimum efficiency levels will lower our nation’s electricity bills by over $12 billion per year. That’s about $100 per year for every American family.
Clearly, there is a need for good information about light bulbs – and now some smart folks are looking to shed some light on the subject with the launch of the LUMEN Coalition website, a joint effort by industry and non-profit energy efficiency and consumer advocates. Take a look, it might brighten your day.
Hank Staniszewski
I have had CFLs for at least 6 years wherever they are applicable. While efficiency over incandescents is inarguable, there are limitations. The 3000 hour life may not be representative for all types and brands- I’ve replaced many. Disposal is an issue. Many municipalities have no facilities, so they end up in trash and eventually landfills with mercury and other toxins. A special variety is needed where you have dimmers and those are hugely expensive and many do not work. There are applications where I haven’t seen an alternative – seen a CFL refrigerator or oven bulb.
All CFLs are imported- there are no domestic manufacturers. Regardless of which brand you buy, you are contributing to a troubling trade deficit.
LED lighting is more efficient. Will this require another government mandate? Generally the market will bring the most cost-effective, sane solution without dictates or mandates.
Seth Kaplan
Useful perspective.
Note that manufacturers are now making (as the Phillips North America CEO notes in letter linked to above) incandescent light bulbs that meet the new standard. Hard to believe that they would have done this without the nudge from Congress.
Clearly the market is pushing the manufacturers to get rid of mercury and keep prices down – I would suggest that the best results come from a combination of good policy and good market response.