The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) adopted two new rules for light bulbs, also known as general service lamps, that will conserve energy and help consumers save on their energy bills. The first rule establishes a revised definition of general service lamps while the second implements the minimum standard of 45 lumens per watt for light bulbs that meet the revised definition.

Once these light bulb rules are in place, DOE expects consumers to save nearly $3 billion per year on their utility bills.Over the next 30 years, the rules are projected to cut carbon emissions by 222 million metric tons — an amount equivalent to the emissions generated by 28 million homes in one year. LED lightbulbs also last 25 to 50 times longer than incandescent bulbs.

DOE has concurrently announced an enforcement policy that allows for a managed transition helping entities all along the distribution chain, including manufacturers, importers, private labelers, distributors, and retailers adjust their production and inventory. The enforcement policy contains two parts: a period of enforcement leniency and a period of progressive enforcement with an emphasis on transitioning production first.

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