Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs)
Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPs) for compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are being considered by the New Zealand Government.
The proposed MEPS will encourage better consumer confidence in, and uptake of, CFLs by:
- setting requirements for light quality and lamp durability, as well external impacts on electricity networks and the environment (including maximum mercury levels)
- setting requirements for packaging information on light quality and output, power usage, efficacy and product life.
The proposed MEPS would align New Zealand with standards already in place in Australia.
Where to from here?
A public consultation for the proposed MEPS for compact fluorescent lamps was held in early 2011.
It is proposed that CFLs will be required to comply with test method AS/NZS 4847.1:2010 and the MEPS levels in AS/NZS 4748.2:2010.
If the proposed standards are approved for use in regulation, it is anticipated that the Standard would come into effect in early 2012.
Download the MEPS discussion document for compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs).
For further information please email regs@eeca.govt.nz.
Why set standards for CFLs?
CFLs are a very efficient lighting technology, and widespread use of them in homes and businesses would result in significant energy savings and greenhouse gas reductions for New Zealand.
However, varying consumer experiences and lack of product information means uptake of CFLs is not as high as it could be.
Information around CFLs (and other efficient lighting) is improving with the introduction of initiatives like:
- ENERGY STAR® for CFLs, which lets consumers easily identify the most efficient CFLs
- The RightLight website and campaign
- The ENERGYWISETM consumer information campaign, which covers a range of topics including lighting.
Introducing MEPS would compliment these efforts by addressing consumer concerns about quality, performance and reliability of CFLs and encourage more people to choose this efficient lighting technology.
