New Energy Standards for Ballasts, Air Conditioners

In the next few months the U.S. Department of Energy is expected to issue a long overdue energy efficiency standard for fluorescent lamp ballasts. This new standard is the result of a negotiated agreement between energy conservation interests, ballast manufacturers, and other stakeholders. According to this Joint Agreement, the new standard should save between 2.5 and 5 quadrillion Btus (quads) of energy (2.6 to 5.2 trillion GJ) over the next 30 years.

Essentially, the new standard will require high-efficiency electronic ballasts in all new fixtures manufactured after April 1, 2006, but it will allow the manufacture of less efficient magnetic replacement ballasts for existing fixtures until July 1, 2010.

Ballasts made specifically for use in residential buildings and for cold-temperature applications are not affected by the new standard.