Congress has hit the “off” switch, at least temporarily, on the enforcement of light bulb efficiency standards that opponents characterized as an effective ban on traditional incandescent models.

Enforcement of the standards, which would hike efficiency requirements by 30 percent, effective Jan. 1, was blocked by a provision inserted into an omnibus spending bill that will keep the federal government funded through the remainder of fiscal 2012.

The provision bars the Department of Energy from spending funds to implement or enforce the light bulb standards, enacted in 2007, through Sept. 30. Congress passed it in mid-December as part of a more than $1 trillion appropriations bill.

While they won’t be enforced, the standards will become applicable to 100-watt bulbs in 2012 and other sizes in the following years. They will apply to all bulbs—compact fluorescents, halogen incandescents and LEDs as well as traditional incandescent models.

During floor debate on standards-repeal legislation last summer, conservative lawmakers denounced the efficiency regime as an example of government overreach. Rep. Joe Barton, R-Texas, said his repeal bill, H.R. 2417, would “allow people to keep using the cheap and reliable incandescent light bulb.”

“People don’t want Congress dictating what light fixtures they can use,” Barton had said in comments on earlier legislation.

Meanwhile, standards supporters such as Energy Secretary Steven Chu countered that they were focused on making bulbs more efficient, not barring their use. The “common sense” requirements would save consumers $6 billion annually on their electric bills, the secretary emphasized.

NRECA has never taken a position on the continuing availability of incandescent light bulbs, according to Brian Cavey, vice president for legislative affairs.

However, he noted, the association has taken a position on energy efficiency, supporting more efficient energy alternatives in order to avoid having to build expensive new power plants.

NASHVILLE – The next time you see an electric utility vehicle working on the side of the road, slow down and give it room. The workers will appreciate your courtesy, and a new Tennessee law requires it.

Legislation signed by Gov. Bill Haslam on April 5 expands Tennessee’s Move Over law to include electric and other utility vehicles. Police, fire and highway construction vehicles were already covered before the law’s expansion.

Effective July 1, motorists approaching a utility vehicle with flashing lights are required to move over if safe to do so, creating an empty lane buffer. When changing lanes is not possible, motorists must reduce speed.

“Electric utility workers have a dangerous job,” says Mike Knotts, director of government affairs for the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association, “and the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association and its member cooperatives believe that expanding the Move Over law will make their working environment safer.”

Roadway crashes are the leading cause of occupational fatalities in the United States. The Tennessee Department of Safety reports that more than 100 highway and street construction workers are killed each year as a result of vehicle crashes or equipment accidents on the job. Another 20,000 are injured.

Tommy Campbell, a lineman for Duck River Electric Membership Corporation, was struck by a vehicle in 2006. He was severely injured in the accident.

Tommy Campbell, a lineman for Duck River Electric Membership Corporation in Decherd, knows all too well the dangers of working near traffic. Campbell was struck by a vehicle while retrieving a tool from a bin on the side of his truck. The impact threw him over the hood and windshield of the oncoming vehicle and into the air before landing in the street. His injuries required major surgery.

“I knew my foot was severely injured,” says Campbell about the accident. “I worried I would not be able to climb poles anymore. My father was a lineman, and that is what I love doing.” Fortunately, Tommy resumed climbing poles one year after the accident.

“This is a great law for utility workers,” Campbell says. “We have to get the word out and make the public aware. Drivers must slow down when approaching utility vehicles.”

“We appreciate the Tennessee General Assembly and Gov. Haslam for protecting Tennessee’s utility workers, and we are especially grateful to Sen. Steve Southerland and Rep. Phillip Johnson for sponsoring the legislation on our behalf,” says Knotts.

The Tennessee law is the first-of-its-kind in the country. North Carolina’s Move Over law includes utility workers but only during emergency situations such as storm restoration. Tennessee’s law applies anytime utility vehicles are working with flashing lights.

Additional information on the Move Over expansion can be found at moveovertennessee.org.

For the first time in more than 100 years, the basic incandescent lightbulb is getting a facelift. To accommodate new energy efficiency standards set by Congress (which require lightbulbs to be more efficient starting in 2012), a new generation of incandescent lightbulbs has entered the marketplace. These products boast energy savings of 25 percent and a lifespan up to three times longer than their soon-to-be extinct predecessors.

“Up to 12 percent of a typical monthly electric bill pays for lighting, so removing energy-wasting bulbs from the market will have a big impact on America’s energy use,” explains Erik Sorenson, a project manager with the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), which represents companies that make products used in the generation, transmission, distribution, control, and end use of electricity.

Retooled incandescent bulbs contain a small capsule of halogen gas that surrounds the filament, which increases efficiency and improves longevity, while retaining the shape, color choices, and dimming capabilities that consumers have favored in incandescent bulbs.

Under the federal Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, lightbulbs must be 28 percent more efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs (which use 90 of their energy producing heat) starting in 2012, and by 2020, they must be 70 percent more efficient. NEMA estimates the new standards could save Americans up to $15.8 billion per year.

Other options

The new generation incandescent bulbs will join compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs) and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as energy-efficient lighting options. CFLs and LEDs both are about 75 percent more efficient than traditional incandescents. CFLs last about 10 times longer; LEDs about 25 times longer. But CFLs are the more economical choice at the moment. The cost of LEDs is expected to come down as the technology advances.

“With lighting legislation mandating more efficient technologies and consumers looking for every opportunity to save, navigating lighting solutions has never been so important,” emphasizes David Schuellerman, GE Lighting’s public relations manager.

Sources: U.S. Department of Energy (EnergySavers.gov), National Electrical Manufacturers Association, GE