10 September 2024
Improving the energy efficiency of light bulbs
The energy efficiency of common light bulbs in Australia is improving.
On Friday 19 July 2024, Energy and Climate Change Ministers agreed to two significant recommendations that affect three lighting product determinations.
Phasing out incandescent lamps
Ministers agreed to update Minimum Energy Performance Standards to phase out a range of incandescent lamps. This includes mains voltage halogen, carbon, and tungsten filament reflector lamps. The determination will also narrow the range of low power decorative lamps available for sale from less than or equal to 25W to less than 10W.
The new incandescent lamp determination will take effect 12 months and one day after the determination is registered on the Federal Register of Legislation. We plan to publish a news article when the determination is registered. For exact product class details, refer to the determination once it is registered.
The new requirements will help consumers to identify the most energy efficient bulb to meet their needs, reduce household energy bills and Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Two determinations revoked
Ministers also agreed to remove a determination covering ballast for fluorescent lamps, and another covering transformers and electric step-down converters for Extra Low Voltage (ELV) halogen lamps, by revoking:
- Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (Ballasts for Fluorescent Lamps) Determination 2012
- Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (Transformers and Electronic Step-down Converters for ELV Lamps) Determination 2012.
These determinations will cease to be in effect from the day after the instrument is registered. This is because the risk of less-efficient models entering the market is low with the removal of the regulations. This is part of the department’s ongoing work to monitor and review our regulation to ensure it remains fit-for-purpose.
For more information:
- download and read the Energy and Climate Change Ministerial Council communique.
- see ‘Latest News’ on Lighting of our website.
