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New efficient light bulb standards to take effect

New standards for energy-efficient alternatives to 75W and 100W incandescent light bulbs will come into force on Jan. 1, 2011.

After Jan. 1, consumers will be able to find a range of light bulb options on store shelves, including both efficient light bulb options and incandescent light bulbs. B.C. retailers can continue to carry the old incandescent 75 and 100W bulbs until their stock runs out. Other wattages will remain available to stock on shelves.

These B.C. standards lead up to the federal government’s national light bulb efficiency standards, which will apply to most wattage levels sold across the country in 2012. Several speciality products are exempted from the BC and federal standards.

B.C. leads the country in the adoption of energy-efficient lighting alternatives, such as compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL), supporting aggressive energy conservation targets under the Clean Energy Act. Sixty-six per cent of BC Hydro’s incremental electricity needs must be met through efficiency and conservation by 2020.

Over the past few years, British Columbians have been voluntarily shifting away from incandescent light bulbs toward more efficient products such as CFLs. Over seven million CFLs are sold annually in the province and 78 per cent of B.C. homes are already using CFLs.

BC Hydro’s PowerSmart and FortisBC’s PowerSense have invested approximately $40 million over the past few years to ensure efficient products are available throughout B.C.

Both incandescent and compact florescent light bulbs can be recycled at drop-off locations around B.C. For information on locations, call the Recycling Council of B.C.’s hotline at 604 732-9253 in the Lower Mainland, and 1 800 667-4321 in the rest of B.C.

To learn more about CFL light bulbs and ways to make smart choices to reduce energy, visit www.livesmartbc.ca and

www.bchydro.com/guides_tips/green-your-home/lighting_guide/energy_efficient_lighting.html.

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