The FINANCIAL — Ohio — It’s no surprise that consumers are overwhelmed by all of the changes happening in the lighting aisle, and research shows that most aren’t ready to make the leap to newer energy-efficient lighting solutions. In fact, consumers are purchasing GE Energy-Efficient Soft White bulbs at a rate of two-to-one compared to CFL bulbs, according to Nielsen.
“We understand that consumers are overwhelmed by all of the changes in the lighting aisle, and whatever their lighting preference, we have reliable lighting options for them,” said John Strainic, General Manager, Consumer Lighting for GE in North America. “For consumers who still want an incandescent-like bulb, our incandescent isn’t gone—it’s more energy efficient. Our Energy-Efficient Soft White bulb provides a warm, cozy light and dimming capabilities, but saves energy and meets federal brightness requirements,” he added.
More than a century ago, Thomas Edison flipped the switch to modern day electricity as we know it, and it didn’t take long for consumers to embrace the classic light bulb. Today, lighting consumes about 17 percent of a home’s overall energy usage, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. With an annual energy savings of $2.05 per bulb, a household that replaces forty 60-watt incandescent bulbs with 43-watt Energy-Efficient Soft White bulbs could save more than $80 a year based on 3 hours use per day and an 11c/kWh electricity rate, according to GE Capital.
“Our lighting technologies, such as GE’s Energy-Efficient Soft White bulbs, are specially engineered to provide the light consumers love, the same way it was delivered more than century ago, but today we can meet federal brightness requirements without as much wasted energy. Energy-Efficient Soft White bulbs will fit all of the same fixtures throughout the home, and consume less energy,” Strainic added.
LED bulbs are getting a lot of attention lately, and as the technology continues to evolve the prices will come down, allowing for mass adoption. From the first A-line ENERGY STAR-qualified LED to its latest GE reveal LED, GE Lighting has developed high performance LED lighting, delivering practical LED lighting solutions for consumers under the brand name they trust, according GE Capital.
Another more energy-efficient lighting option is CFL bulb technology, which has been in the market now for more than 30 years and has greatly improved to mirror the performance of a traditional incandescent light. For example, GE Lighting has engineered a hybrid-halogen CFL, known as Bright from the Start that uses a halogen capsule, or Brightness Booster, for instant brightness.
As new energy-efficiency standards are set take place Jan. 1, 2014, consumers will choose between these more energy-efficient lighting options, including Energy-Efficient Soft White, or halogen technology, CFL or LED bulbs. Consumers will still be able to find limited supply of incandescent bulbs at some retailers until inventory is gone, according to GE Capital.
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