Electrical Business

News

New light bulb standards take effect in British Columbia

January 5, 2011 | By Alyssa Dalton



The New Year brought new light bulb standards to British Columbia for energy-efficient alternatives to 75W and 100W incandescent light bulbs, effective January 1.

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

These provincial 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 specialty products are exempted from the B.C. and federal standards.

More than seven million compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL) are sold annually in the province and 78 per cent of B.C. homes are already using CFLs, said the B.C. government. 

Advertisement

Both incandescent and compact florescent light bulbs can be recycled at drop-off locations around the province. For information on locations, call the Recycling Council of B.C.’s hotline. To learn more about CFL light bulbs and ways to make smart choices to reduce energy, visit www.livesmartbc.ca and www.bchydro.com/guides_tips/green-your-home/lighting_guide/energy_efficient_lighting.html.


Print this page

Advertisement

Stories continue below