Existing Buildings

Updates on Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) lighting legislation


If you attended Energy Trust’s 2022 Business Lighting Mid-Year Trade Ally Seminar, you heard discussions about changes to the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) legislation and details about the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) rule change. Here are additional details about upcoming changes and how they will impact Energy Trust’s Business Lighting in 2023.

What’s the most recent action on EISA lighting Legislation?

There are two actions to be aware of regarding EISA lighting legislation:

  1. The DOE is codifying the 45 lumen per watt efficacy backstop requirement on general service lamps (GSLs) in the Code of Federal Regulations.
  2. In a second notice, the DOE amended the definition of GSLs to include most A-line, globe, decorative and reflector products.

What impact would the new requirement have on lighting programs?

Many energy-efficient lighting products, including CFLs and LEDs, already meet the 45 lumens per watt requirement proposed in this rule change. The requirement would phase out halogen lighting products and adjust the inefficient baseline used to calculate claimable energy savings.

What’s the bottom line for Energy Trust’ Business Lighting Program?

The final rule on GSLs will affect 2023 lighting incentives and eligible measures. The following measures will be removed from the Standard offer effective January 23, 2023:

  • LED directional/reflector lamp with integral driver, less than 20W
  • LED directional/reflector lamp with integral driver, 20W or greater
  • LED omni-directional lamp, A-lamp or similar, replacing 150W or less

If you have questions about these updates or other lighting incentives and requirements, please contact your account manager, or email us at lighting@energytrust.org.