About
ASAP

Last Updated: October 2007
See the federal standards main page to view current status

Ballasts are components in every fluorescent light that adjust the incoming electricity to allow the lamp to work properly. Fluorescent lighting accounts for 60-70% of the total lighting electricity consumed by commercial and industrial buildings. About two thirds of all ballasts currently sold use standard modern electronic technology while one third still rely on out-dated, energy-wasting magnetic technology. Efficiency requirements for fluorescent ballasts were first enacted in 1990 and revised again in 2000. Under the 2000 rule, magnetic ballasts would be prohibited on new fluorescent fixtures manufactured after 2005 and banned completely in 2010, saving 13.7 billion kWh per year with a net benefit of $2.6 billion by 2030. Electronic ballast technology continues to improve dramatically, opening up new energy savings opportunities for fluorescent ballasts.

• Federal Documentation (DOE Web site)

DOE is scheduled to commence its next ballast rulemaking in 2009. (January 2006)