The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Washington, D.C, has expanded the categories of compact fluorescent lamps (CLFs) under the Energy Star label. CFL products under the Energy Star label, which include new categories for CFLs that contain less mercury, new candelabra products, and more rigorous testing procedures, are expected to save Americans around $30 billion in utility costs over the next five years.
For the first time, the new criteria also limits the amount of mercury CFLs can contain to less than 5 milligrams for most bulbs, incorporates a third-party testing program for all bulbs effective in November 2008, tightens lamp color requirements, and adds high-heat testing requirements for reflector products. The revised Energy Star criteria for CFLs become effective on Dec. 2, 2008 — 270 days from issuance. The criteria for CFLs were last updated in 2003.