Many consumers in the dark about rising lighting standards

The most commonly used household light bulbs are set to be phased out in just a few days, but a majority of consumers are unaware of the impending changes, according to the 2013 Osram Sylvania Socket Survey.

Conducted at the end of every year since 2008, the Socket Survey polls hundreds of consumers from around the country to help track their opinions on the rapidly changing lighting landscape. This year, Sylvania reports that just 4 in 10 consumers are aware that beginning on January 1st, a sharp rise in efficiency standards will effectively render standard 40- and 60-watt incandescent bulbs obsolete. In accordance with those rising standards, those bulbs will no longer be manufactured or sold in the United States.

When polled about changing lighting options in more general terms, consumers scored much better, with 64% of respondents showing at least some familiarity with the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA), the legislation that numbered incandescents' days. A lack of awareness about EISA's next big step on January 1st, however, could mean that in the coming year, consumers looking to replace their burnt out living room lights will be in for a surprise upon arriving at their local hardware store.

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