The sale of most compact florescent light bulbs (CFLs) is set to be phased out in 2028 under recent energy efficiency regulations finalized by the US Department of Energy (DOE).

The new energy efficiency standards for light bulbs, finalized on April 12, nearly triple the required efficiency level for the most common bulbs. This new standard, set to take effect in July 2028 for newly produced bulbs, serves to effectively phase out CFLs. The new standard falls outside the efficiency range of most CFLs, often characterized by their helical shape, but within the range of most LED bulbs.

The DOE predicts that the changes, first proposed in late 2022, will save American families $1.6 billion annually on household energy costs and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 70 million metric tons over 30 years. This measure is another step in the Biden Administration’s ongoing efforts to phase out less-efficient, older light bulb formats. In 2022, we discussed a previous set of rules that sought to phase out incandescent bulbs by 2023. The new standards raise the bar further for bulb efficiency, effectively signaling the end of CFLs, a technology initially introduced as a more efficient alternative to incandescent bulbs.

With the announcement, CFLs join incandescent bulbs, dishwashers, and laundry machines with cycle times of less than one hour as household items fundamentally changed by energy efficiency requirements. 

Highlights of the New Regulations

Why is the DOE mandating further changes to light bulbs? 

The new DOE efficiency regulations are mandated by US Congress as a measure to limit energy waste, with an expected energy savings over $1 billion. 

What light bulbs are covered?

As with the 2022 rule, the new standard applies to “general service lamps,” which the DOE defines to include general service incandescent lamps (GSILs), CFLs, general service LED and OLED lamps, and any other lamps that the DOE determines are used to satisfy lighting applications traditionally served by GSILs. Importantly, GSILs are defined to include nearly all traditional general-purpose household light bulbs. As such, this rule will implicate nearly all household lighting applications.

What new standards are imposed?

The new rule requires light bulbs to produce just over 120 lumens per watt, significantly increasing the 45 lumens per watt standard imposed by the 2022 rules. The DOE estimates that the new standard will represent an energy savings of 17% relative to the current status quo.