Phasing Out Fluorescent Lighting
Shaping the future with LED Retrofit: California's Bold Step towards Energy Efficient Lighting Solutions
Written by
Angelina Zou, LEED AP
Sustainability Coordinator
Fluorescent lighting is being phased out of California through AB8802, which bans the sale of replacement fluorescent lamps. Some bans start as soon as January 1, 2024, with most in effect by one year later, on January 1, 2025. Owners, managers and operators of existing buildings that still use linear fluorescent lamps or compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) for some or all of their lighting will eventually need to retrofit their lighting to LED technology.
Why is fluorescent lighting being phased out?
The California legislature passed AB2208 in September 2022 as part of the state’s ambitious agenda to promote energy efficiency and decarbonization. Lighting technology has advanced rapidly in just a short period of time, with light emitting diode (LED) lighting in most cases now able to provide equivalent or better light quality at a competitive cost with a fraction of the energy consumption of fluorescent lamps.
What is actually being phased out, and when?
- CFLs with a screw base – January 1, 2024
- CFLs with a bayonet base – January 1, 2024
- Linear fluorescent lamps (T12, T8, T5 fluorescent) – January 1, 2025
- CFLs with a pin-base – January 1, 2025
Who does this affect and what does it mean?
Business owner in California who currently use these lamps will need to start planning to transition to alternative lighting solutions.
Are there any exceptions to the phaseout?
Yes, certain specialty lamps such as those used for image capture, projection, and disinfection are exempt from these sales bans.
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