Approximately 20 percent of energy use in the commercial sector goes to lighting alone. This, along with the Clean Air Act and the June 2, 2014 Clean Power Plan of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to significantly cut carbon pollution from power plants, have created a growing demand for advanced energy efficient lighting technologies to drive down energy costs in large commercial and industrial buildings.
EPA’s proposal builds on those actions and is flexible—reflecting that different states have a different mix of sources and opportunities, and reflecting the important role of states as full partners with the federal government in cutting pollution. This proposal will maintain an affordable, reliable energy system, while cutting pollution and protecting our health and environment now and for future generations.
Widespread use of LED lighting has the greatest potential impact on energy savings in the United States. By 2027, widespread use of LEDs could save about 348 TWh (compared to no LED use) of electricity: This is the equivalent annual electrical output of 44 large electric power plants (1000 megawatts each), and a total savings of more than $30 billion at today's electricity prices.
NEEP is working with market players throughout the SSL industry from across North America and around the world, to maximize the potential of this technology and to speed the adoption of these lighting products in the Northeast-Mid Atlantic region. One of the main ways NEEP has been able to accelerate energy efficiency in the commercial lighting market is through the DesignLights Consortium® project, which has driven the lighting market towards innovation by providing information, education, tools and technical expertise for cutting edge technologies. Since 2010, the DLC has administered the Qualified Products List (QPL), a leading resource that distinguishes quality, high efficiency LED products for the commercial sector. Today, the QPL sets the bar for efficiency program incentives across the U.S. and Canada while informing manufacturer product development. Furthermore, NEEP leverages in-kind support from the U.S. Department of Energy to provide comprehensive, accurate and timely information related to Solid State Lighting technology.