Federal light bulb efficiency standards require every general-service bulb sold in the United States to produce at least 45 lumens of light for every watt of electricity it uses. That floor, written into the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, has been fully enforced since July 2023 and effectively ended sales of traditional incandescent bulbs, which top out around 13 lumens per watt. A stricter standard above 120 lumens per watt is scheduled to take effect in July 2028, though both rules face political and legislative challenges.
How the 45 Lumens Per Watt Rule Works
A bulb’s efficiency is the ratio of visible light produced (lumens) to electricity drawn (watts). A traditional 60-watt incandescent puts out roughly 800 lumens, which works out to about 13 lumens per watt. An LED producing the same 800 lumens typically draws 8 to 10 watts, landing between 80 and 100 lumens per watt. The 45 LPW floor sits well above what incandescent and most halogen bulbs can achieve, but comfortably below what even a budget LED delivers.
The rule is performance-based, not a technology ban. Any lamp technology is permitted as long as the finished bulb hits 45 LPW. In practice, that means LEDs and some high-efficiency compact fluorescents. The Department of Energy codified the backstop in a 2022 final rule after Congress had written the requirement into law as a fallback in case DOE’s own rulemaking fell behind. The statutory authority is 42 U.S.C. § 6295(i)(6)(A)(v), which made the 45 LPW floor self-executing once earlier rulemaking deadlines were missed.1U.S. Department of Energy. Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for General Service Lamps
Which Bulbs Are Covered
The rule applies to “general service lamps,” or GSLs, the regulatory term for everyday bulbs used to light homes and offices. Under 10 CFR 430.2, a lamp qualifies as a GSL if it has a standard ANSI base, operates at common household or commercial voltages (including 100 to 130 volts), produces between 310 and 3,300 lumens, and is used for general lighting rather than a specialty purpose.2eCFR. 10 CFR 430.2 – Definitions That range covers roughly the 40-watt-equivalent up through 200-watt-equivalent bulbs most people buy.
The familiar pear-shaped A19 is the most common GSL, but the definition also sweeps in many globe, reflector, and decorative bulbs that fit standard sockets and fall within the lumen range. Incandescent, halogen, compact fluorescent, LED, and OLED lamps all qualify.3Department of Energy. General Service Lamps If a bulb matches the physical and output criteria, it must hit 45 LPW regardless of shape or style.
Specialty Bulbs That Are Exempt
Not every bulb has to meet 45 LPW. The regulation carves out 26 categories of specialty lamps whose primary job is something other than lighting a room. The exclusion list in 10 CFR 430.2 covers appliance lamps, black light lamps, bug lamps, colored lamps, infrared lamps, plant light lamps, marine lamps, marine signal service lamps, mine service lamps, sign service lamps, traffic signal lamps, and several categories defined by specific shape, base type, or diameter.2eCFR. 10 CFR 430.2 – Definitions
The exemption only protects genuinely specialty products. A standard-shaped, standard-output bulb marketed as an “appliance lamp” will not escape the rule. DOE has broadened the GSL definition over time to close those kinds of loopholes.
Who Gets Penalized When a Bulb Doesn’t Comply
The penalties target the supply chain, not consumers. If you already own incandescent bulbs, you can keep using them without any legal risk. The law prohibits manufacturing, importing, and distributing non-compliant GSLs. Each non-compliant bulb counts as a separate violation. The base statutory penalty under 42 U.S.C. § 6303 is $100 per violation, subject to inflation adjustments that increase it over time.4Office of the Law Revision Counsel. 42 USC 6303 – Enforcement DOE’s stated policy is to seek the maximum penalty against manufacturers and importers that knowingly sell non-compliant products.5U.S. Department of Energy. Enforcement Policy Statement – General Service Lamps For a company shipping thousands of bulbs, per-unit penalties add up quickly.
The Stricter Standard Coming in 2028
A much tighter rule is already on the books. In April 2024, DOE finalized standards that raise the efficiency floor for most common bulbs well above 120 lumens per watt, with compliance required by July 25, 2028.6Federal Register. Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for General Service Lamps Rather than a single number, the rule uses efficacy equations that vary by bulb type, length, and whether the lamp has standby power capability.
A standard 810-lumen integrated omnidirectional LED, the closest equivalent to an old 60-watt incandescent, would need to hit about 125 lumens per watt under the new equations. Longer bulbs and non-integrated designs face higher thresholds.7U.S. Department of Energy. Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for General Service Lamps Smart bulbs that draw power in standby mode get slightly more lenient targets to account for the electricity used while off but connected.
Political and Legislative Uncertainty
The 45 LPW standard is written into federal statute, so DOE cannot simply stop enforcing it without Congress changing the law. The political environment has still introduced real uncertainty.
In January 2025, an executive order directed federal agencies to “safeguard the American people’s freedom to choose from a variety of goods and appliances,” explicitly naming light bulbs among products under review. A bill introduced in Congress, S.1568, would go further by eliminating the 45 LPW backstop entirely and voiding three related DOE rules. If enacted, traditional incandescents could legally return to store shelves. The same efforts could reach the 2028 standards as well.
As of mid-2025, both the 45 LPW rule and the 2028 rule remain in effect. Anyone manufacturing, importing, or stocking inventory should track these developments closely.
How To Check a Bulb Before You Buy
You do not have to do the math yourself. The FTC requires every general service bulb package to carry a “Lighting Facts” label listing brightness in lumens, energy used in watts, estimated yearly energy cost, expected lifespan, and color temperature.8Federal Trade Commission. The FTC Lighting Facts Label: Questions and Answers for Manufacturers The label does not print lumens per watt directly, but dividing lumens by watts gives you the number. Any bulb legally on the shelf should land above 45.
Shopping by lumens rather than watts is the single most useful habit to build. A “60-watt equivalent” LED from one brand and a “60-watt equivalent” from another might draw different wattages while producing similar lumens, and the lumens figure is what tells you how bright the bulb actually is.
What Switching Bulbs Means for Your Electric Bill
The gap between old incandescents and LEDs is large. LEDs use up to 90% less energy and last roughly 25 times longer than traditional incandescents. DOE estimates the average household saves about $225 per year on electricity by switching to LED lighting, given that lighting accounts for around 15% of a typical home’s electricity use.9Department of Energy. Lighting Choices to Save You Money
Many electric utilities offer rebates for LED bulbs or fixtures that offset the higher upfront cost. Rebate amounts vary by utility and fixture type, so check your local utility’s website or the ENERGY STAR rebate finder before buying in bulk. Even without a rebate, an LED that costs a few dollars more than an incandescent typically pays for itself within months through lower electricity bills.