IGPN - International Green Purchasing Network

April 25, 2007

Ontario Government to Ban Incandescent Lights by 2012

The government of Ontario(Canada) announced its plan to ban the sale of inefficient light bulbs by 2012.

The move, which follows a similar measure passed by Australia's government in February, is estimated to save six million kilowatt-hours of electricity a year. New efficient lighting such as compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) use around 75 per cent less electricity than standard incandescent bulbs. Replacing all 87 million incandescent bulbs in Ontario households with CFLs would save enough energy to power 600,000 homes.

In order to develop new performance standards for bulbs, as well as to draft regulations to band the sale of inefficient lighting, the Ministry of Energy will meet with industry, U.S. regulators, and federal and provincial governments. In addition, the government will only purchase energy efficient light bulbs for its own buildings, effective immediately.

"We support the government's initiative to improve the efficiency of all lighting," said Elyse Allan, President and CEO of G.E. Canada. "By encouraging the use of high efficiency lighting, at home and at work, all of us will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions."

In addition to the ban on incandescents, the government announced the creation of five province-wide conservation initiatives, part of what Duncan and Broten called a "commitment to build a conservation culture."

The new conservation initiatives will provide coupons for energy-saving lights and other devices, offer rebates for making air conditioners and refrigerators more efficient, discount energy bills for customers who reduce their summer energy usage, and Peaksaver, a voluntary program that allows local distribution companies to remotely cycle down central air conditioners, water heaters and pool pumps when the electricity system is stretched.

For more information, please visit The government of Ontario website.

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