DOE Rejects Tighter Rules for Lamp Ballast Efficiency
Published Date: 3/31/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Department of Energy looked into making fluorescent lamp ballasts more energy-efficient but found that tougher rules wouldn’t save enough money to be worth it. So, for now, no new energy-saving standards will be added. If you use or make these ballasts, you can share your thoughts by June 1, 2026, and join a webinar on April 22 to learn more.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
No New Ballast Standards
On March 31, 2026, DOE tentatively determined that federal energy conservation standards for fluorescent lamp ballasts should not be amended because amended standards would not be cost-effective. If you manufacture or import fluorescent lamp ballasts, you will not face new federal efficiency requirements from this DOE determination at this time.
Major Manufacturers Exiting Fluorescent Market
DOE documents that some large firms announced they would stop selling or manufacturing fluorescent products by December 31, 2023 (for example, Acuity Brands and Lutron). If you rely on fluorescent ballasts—either as a buyer, installer, or small ballast manufacturer—you may see reduced product availability as the market shifts to LED options.
Users Keep Current Energy Savings
DOE tentatively concluded that amending standards would not result in significant energy savings, so the current federal standards at 10 CFR 430.32(m) remain in effect. If you use fluorescent fixtures, you should not expect additional federal-driven reductions in your ballast energy use from this DOE action.
State Bans on Mercury Lamps Take Effect
DOE notes nine States have enacted bans on the sale of mercury-containing lamps (which include many fluorescent lamps): Vermont (effective January 1, 2024), California (January 1, 2025), Colorado (January 1, 2025), Oregon (January 1, 2025), Rhode Island (January 1, 2025), Maine (January 1, 2026), Hawaii (January 1, 2026), Minnesota (January 1, 2026), and Illinois (January 1, 2027). If you live in or sell lamps in any of these States, those sales restrictions will apply starting on the listed effective dates.
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