Survey Shows Majority Aware of Incandescent Phase-Out

Since 2007, when Congress increased light bulb efficiency requirements, effectively phasing out conventional incandescent technology, light bulb manufacturer Sylvania has been conducting an annual consumer survey that gauges awareness of lighting options. Results from the 2011 survey show that for the first time, a majority of Americans (56%) are aware of the phase-out of incandescent bulbs.

About half of those surveyed report that they plan to wait until after the phase-out to switch to more efficient bulbs. Most respondents reported excitement about the phase-out, but about one-third expressed concern. The survey also found that women, young adults, minorities, people with no college degree, and people with lower incomes were less likely to be aware of the phase-out. Understanding around the specifics of the phase-out is also low.

Despite a growing awareness of the phase-out, the report indicates that the eventual disappearance of the incandescent bulb from store shelves in the coming years could come as a surprise to millions of Americans. For full survey results, go to www.sylvania.com/Energy/SocketSurvey.