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LiveSmart BC

New Standards for Energy Efficient Light Bulbs in Effect on January 1st

CFL BulbNew Standards for Energy Efficient Light Bulbs in Effect on January 1st

New standards for energy efficient alternatives to 75 watt and 100 watt incandescent light bulbs are in effect Jan. 1, 2011.

Consumers will find a range of light bulb options on store shelves, including both efficient light bulb options and incandescent light bulbs. B.C. retailers can continue to carry the old incandescent 75 and 100W bulbs until their stock runs out. Other wattages will remain available to stock on shelves.

These B.C. standards lead up to the federal government’s national light bulb efficiency standards which will apply to most wattage levels sold across the country in 2012.  Several speciality products are exempted from the B.C. and federal standards.

B.C. leads the country in the adoption of energy efficient lighting alternatives such as Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFL), supporting aggressive energy conservation targets under the Clean Energy Act — 66 per cent of BC Hydro’s incremental electricity needs must be met through efficiency and conservation by 2020.

For more information on the available options and tips for lighting your home and business, see the following links:

Both incandescent and compact florescent light bulbs can be recycled at drop-off locations around B.C. For information on locations, call the Recycling Council of B.C.’s hotline at 604 732-9253 in the Lower Mainland and 1 800 667-4321 in the rest of B.C.

For information on the safety of CFLs, including guidelines for cleaning-up broken CFL bulbs, visit Health Canada’s website.

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Update: Article from BC Hydro PowerSmart's "Unplug this Blog":
Are you ready for a long-term relationship with an LED? - May 6, 2011