Luminous Efficacy Standards for General Purpose Lights
Nevada's General Service Lamp standard requires lightbulbs sold in the state to meet a minimum efficiency of 45 lumens per watt (effective January 1, 2021), which covers most common household bulbs like LEDs, CFLs, and improved halogen incandescents. By switching to compliant bulbs, Nevada residents can save over $81 annually on utility bills, with LED options lasting up to 25 years while using up to 85% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. You don't need to apply or register—the standard is automatic; simply purchase efficient bulbs that meet the requirement when replacing old ones.
As a lighting supplier or installer, you must stock and sell only General Service Lamps that meet Nevada's 45 lumens-per-watt minimum efficiency standard for all general-purpose bulbs (A-type and similar common bulbs) sold in the state as of January 1, 2021. The regulation covers GSILs, CFLs, and LED bulbs used in typical residential and commercial applications, so inventory must comply with Regulation R100-19 to remain in legal compliance.
This is a baseline equipment efficiency standard established under NRS 701.260, with the 45 lm/W requirement adopted by the Governor's Office of Energy Director in August 2020 via Regulation R100-19, effective January 1, 2021. The standard applies to General Service Lamps (traditional A-type bulbs and their modern equivalents) sold in Nevada, targeting the largest share of residential and commercial lighting. Compliance is achieved through market transformation rather than rebates or incentives—manufacturers and retailers must ensure products meet the standard, with no direct funding mechanism but broad consumer benefit through reduced energy consumption and estimated annual household savings of $81+.
Program details
- Program ID
- 2828
- Last updated
- 11/19/2024
Eligibility
- Technologies
- lighting
Program summary
Assembly Bill 178, adopted in June 2007, established efficacy* standards for general purpose lights sold in the state of Nevada. The bill set the required efficacy at 25 lumens per watt (lm/W) of electricity, and that standard will be in effect between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2015. According to the legislation, the Director of the Office of Energy must adopt regulations to establish a new minimum standard to take effect on January 1, 2016, which must exceed the provisional standard of 25 lm/W. As used in the legislation, general purpose lights include "lamps, bulbs, tubes or other devices that provide functional illumination for indoor and outdoor use. The term does not include specialty lighting or lighting necessary to provide illumination for persons with special needs." NRS 701.260 updates the previous standard, so that by January 1, 2021, the minimum standard of energy efficiency established by the director must meet or exceed 45 lumens per watt of electricity consumed.
*Efficacy refers to the overall energy efficiency of light and is measured in lumens (measure of light output) per watt (measure of power input). The efficacy of a typical incandescent light bulb ranges between 12 lm/W and 18 lm/W. The efficacy of a typical compact fluorescent bulb is between 45 lm/W and 60 lm/W.
Contact & resources
- Additional resources
Please verify current program details with the administering agency before making any financial decisions.
