Energy and Carbon Impact of New U.S. Fluorescent Lamp Ballast Energy Efficiency Standards

Abstract

Climate change policy requires generation of carefully considered estimates of possible energy and carbon savings from various policies. There is always uncertainty in such estimates; we describe how these savings estimates were arrived at for the case of energy efficiency standards for fluorescent lamp ballasts. Several standards scenarios are described in detail along with all the assumptions that had to be made. We worked closely with the ballast industry to develop all of the engineering data needed to estimate energy savings when magnetic ballasts are replaced with electronic ballasts. Current market data was collected from distributors to establish ballast prices.

The commercial and industrial lighting sector will be subject to new energy efficient lighting regulations beginning in 2005. These regulations affect ballasts (the market is mostly magnetic now) that operate T12 fluorescent lamps. The use of electronic ballasts will result in cumulative energy savings of about 1.3 to 5.2 exajoules (1.2 to 4.9 quads) of primary energy over the period 2005–2030. Businesses will reduce electricity costs by about 2.0 to 7.2 billion dollars (discounted to 1997 at 7% real) over the same period. Carbon emissions will be reduced by about 11 to 32 million metric tons over the period 2005–2020.