DOE Proposes New Energy Efficiency Standard for Light Bulbs

On December 3, 2021, the Department of Energy published a proposed rule that would require general service lamps—the most common type of light bulbs—to meet a minimum efficiency of 45 lumens per watt. 45 lumens per watt is the “backstop requirement” for general service lamps prescribed in the Energy Policy and Conservation Act if DOE does not develop an alternate final rule that meets certain statutory criteria. The rule follows deregulatory action during the Trump administration that has been challenged in the Second Circuit.

DOE will accept comments for 45 days after the proposed rule is published in the Federal Register.