Minnesota changes light bulbs in promoting energy efficiency

Fluorescents are out and LEDs are in as the light bulb of choice in Minnesota law.

When it comes to what type of bulb is promoted for maximum energy efficiency by the state and the electric utilities that do business within it, where once fluorescent bulbs were touted in state statute, now light-emitting diode, or LED, lamps are recommended.

That modification to the state’s Conservation Improvement Program statute is the gist of a new law sponsored by Rep. Greg Boe (R-Chaska) and Sen. David Osmek (R-Mound). It is effective May 28, 2020.

There was a time in which compact fluorescent bulbs were believed the best way to save energy, and, consequently, help keep utility bills down. But disposal of such bulbs has always been problematic, with recent research underlining concerns that they release mercury into the waste stream and potentially wreak environmental havoc.

Now the industry standard for efficiency and environmental friendliness is the LED lamp, which lasts several times longer than old-fashioned incandescent bulbs and, according to a U.S. Energy Department study, have a lower impact than either incandescent or compact fluorescent bulbs on air, soil and water, and use less energy.

The new law makes a relatively small change in the Conservation Improvement Program statute. In a section in which utilities are required to encourage customers to use efficient lighting sources, it has stricken the promotion of “fluorescent and high-intensity discharge” lamps and replaced it with “LED.”

HF3230*/SF3331/CH105

HF3230* / SF3331 / CH105