The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has finalised energy efficiency standards for general service lamps (GSLs) to help Americans save billions on their household energy bills.
These standards—which will go into effect in July 2028 for newly produced bulbs—are expected to save American families $1.6bn annually on household energy bills, significantly cut energy waste, and slash harmful greenhouse gas pollution.
Over 30 years, DOE projects these updated standards will save Americans more than $27bn on their utility bills and cut 70 million metric tonnes of dangerous carbon dioxide emissions—equivalent to the combined annual emissions of over nine million homes.
The new announcement represents the Biden-Harris Administration’s latest steps in delivering savings through appliance efficiency.
Slashing household energy bills with efficient methods
“Making common household appliances more efficient is one of the most effective ways to slash energy costs and cut harmful carbon emissions,” said US Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm.
“Under President Biden and as directed by Congress, DOE is following the lead of lightbulb manufacturers, helping American families flip the switch on household energy bills through strengthened energy efficiency standards.”
The new actions are part of a suite of energy efficiency standards advanced by the Biden-Harris Administration this term that DOE projects will together provide nearly $1tr in consumer savings over 30 years and save the average family at least $100 a year through lower household energy bills.
DOE also estimates that the full set of standards will cumulatively reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2.5 billion metric tonnes or more—roughly equivalent to the emissions of 18 million gas-powered cars, 22 coal-fired power plants, or 10.5 million homes over 30 years.
These actions reinforce the trajectory of consumer savings, which forms a key pillar of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda.
They also highlight the opportunities to lower costs for American families and businesses in ways that also cut climate pollution.
Tips for lowering energy costs for families and businesses
For more information on cost-saving resources, consumers can utilise DOE’s Energy Savings Hub—an easy-to-use online resource to access the cost-saving benefits of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda.
The website outlines clean energy tax credits and forthcoming rebates, helping people take control of their energy bills and have cleaner and more efficient options as consumers—whether they’re looking to purchase an electric vehicle, update an appliance, or make their home safer and more comfortable.
To learn how you can drastically cut your energy bills and keep money in your pocket, visit www.Energy.gov/Save.
