Tighter laws are putting the squeeze on manufacturers, investors, and consumers. Today’s headlines read: ‘Biden Orders Ban on New Investments in China’s High-Tech Industries.’ 'Senators Propose New Law to Ban Members of Congress from Trading Stocks.’ And, ‘The Biden administration has passed a ban on incandescent bulbs for Americans.’ This last one may seem as unlikely as former Mike Bloomberg’s 'Big Gulp Ban' attempt in 2012. But unlike Bloomberg’s ban, the rule against incandescent bulbs passed. The rule states that bulbs must emit a minimum of 45 lumens per watt. Incandescent bulbs only emit 15 lumens per watt. The rule was originally issued in 2007 but finally went into effect on Tuesday, August 1.
Lighting accounts for about 20 percent of the world’s electricity consumption, and the shift towards more energy-efficient lighting solutions can significantly reduce our carbon footprint. The Department of Energy estimates the rules will save US consumers close to $3 billion on their utility bills, and they project it will also cut planet-warming carbon emissions significantly over time. Many Americans have already made the switch to LED bulbs since they last longer than their predecessors. LEDs are just the beginning of what is being called ‘A Smart Lighting Revolution.’ By equipping energy efficient equipment with new technology, consumers are taking more control over lighting, the intensity, color, and timing, all from their smartphones. From LA to NY, consumers are implementing smart light systems to optimize their energy use.
Los Angeles not only replaced street lights with LEDs but integrated them into a cloud-based control system. This is estimated to provide the city savings, close to 80 percent of previous maintenance costs and 63 precent in energy. In ‘the city that never sleeps,’ New York municipalities are swapping incandescent street lights for LEDs. The expected savings amount to $14 million annually in energy and maintenance costs. Gone are the days of incandescent bulbs.
Look out fluorescents, you’re next!