• Manufacturers will be phasing out their production of T12 lamps and ballasts
• Progressively less availability of T12 lamps and ballasts
• Increased cost of T12 lamps and ballasts due to demand vs. limited supply
• To keep up with federal regulations of energy efficiency, manufacturers' technology and production will be focused on T8 and T5 systems
• Limited-time opportunity to access enhanced State Energy Efficiency Fund incentives for T12 upgrades

Did you know?
Approximately 30 percent of all fluorescent lamps sold in the U.S. are still T12 technology. As a result of the T12 phase out, 70 percent of all T12 fluorescent lamps sold in the U.S. will be phased out come July 2012.

1. Why are T12 fluorescent systems being phased out?

Answer: T12 lamps and magnetic ballasts are considered outdated compared to the far more energy efficient T8 and T5 fluorescent technologies now available. The Department of Energy's objective is to remove less efficient T12 fluorescent systems from the market, and thus increase lighting energy efficiency for organizations.

2. What type of energy savings can I expect for upgrading?

Answer: Managers of facilities can select from several upgrade scenarios which could result in energy savings as high as 45 percent, with attractive 1-3 year simple paybacks to the building owner.

3. Why are Energy Efficiency Fund incentives only offered for a limited time on T12 upgrades?

Answer: Once the DOE mandate becomes effective, it will become common practice to remove less efficient T12 systems; therefore, retrofitting T12 systems will be the customer's only option for maintaining their old, inefficient lighting system. Energy Efficiency Fund incentive programs will likely not support commercial and industrial T12 system retrofits in the future.

4. Are there some T12 systems that will continue to be manufactured?

Answer: Yes. The following will continue to be manufactured:

• T-12 ballasts designed to dim fixtures more than 50 percent of their full light output
• T-12 ballasts driving 8-foot, high-output fixtures designed for outdoor advertising
• T-12 ballasts designed and labeled for use in residential applications

5. Should I gradually change out my T12 magnetic ballast system or should I change it all at once?

Answer: In order to take advantage of the Energy Efficiency Fund's 50 percent upgrade incentive, a project must upgrade the lighting system as a whole, not as individual fixture upgrades*.

*Be sure to visit our energy incentive data from the DCEO (for public entities) and from ComEd (for privately owned businesses).

T12, T8 and T5 Lamps?
Learn more about the differences in linear lamp types