What: On March 31, 2026, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) proposed to maintain the current conservation standards for fluorescent lamp ballasts.
Why: The Energy Policy and Conservation Act requires DOE to periodically review energy conservation standards for certain consumer and industrial lighting products, and to increase those standards if new technologies would offer cost-effective energy savings. DOE last reviewed fluorescent lamp ballasts in 2020. In the new proposal, DOE has tentatively determined that there have been no changes in the market since that time that would enable DOE to identify cost-effective new standards.
Fluorescent lamps require a device called a ballast to provide different circuit conditions for starting and operating. For example, turning on a fluorescent lamp requires significantly higher voltage to start than to operate.
Although DOE was able to identify technologically feasible improvements, it concluded that these improvements would deliver total cost savings of $1 or less in lifecycle savings per unit, resulting in negative net present value for buyers. In reaching this conclusion, DOE considered that the market for fluorescent bulbs is likely to decline as more efficient light emitting diode (LED) replacements increase in popularity.
DOE plans to certify that this determination would not have a significant effect on a substantial number of small entities.
DOE will accept comments on this proposal until June 1, 2026. In addition, DOE plans to host a webinar on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from 1:00 – 3:00 PM ET.
Action: Read the proposed determination and submit comments before the June 1, 2026, deadline.
PROPOSED DETERMINATION:
Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Fluorescent Lamp Ballasts
PUBLIC MEETING REGISTRATION:
Public Meetings and Comment Deadlines
CONTACT:
Jeffrey Frank
EMAIL:
TOPIC(S):
Is your small business or entity being impacted by a proposed rule? If yes, write a comment letter to the proposing agency.