Survey shows US-consumer awareness of incandescent phase-out at 55%

A recent survey performed by Osram Sylvania has revealed that 55% of Americans are aware of the incandescent bulb phase-out, up from 36% last year.
Results of the fourth-annual Sylvania Socket Survey have indicated that the majority of consumers (55%) in the US reported that they are aware of 2007 congressional legislation that phases out most standard incandescent light bulbs. However, only 31% knew specifically that 100W incandescent bulbs would not be offered as of January 1, 2012.


Nonetheless, the survey, commissioned annually by Osram Sylvania since 2008, shows efforts to raise consumer consciousness of the phase out have been successful, with awareness growing by 19% in the last year and 29% since 2009.


The 2011 survey asked for the first time whether consumers preferred that bulbs be manufactured in the US. Seventy-three percent of survey respondents believe it is important that lamps be “Made in America.”
The 2011 survey results also indicate the number people optimistic about new technologies is up - with 56% of respondents reporting that they are eager to use more energy-efficient-lighting solutions — 33% of respondents admitted they are worried about the phase out. Thirteen percent of respondents said that they plan to save up 100W incandescent bulbs, a statistic that has remained flat since 2009.


"We're encouraged by the dramatic increase in awareness of the national phase out in the last year and are committed to supporting further lighting education," said Rick Leaman, president and CEO of Osram Sylvania. To replace the 100W incandescent bulbs, the company currently offers halogen bulbs and expects to introduce the Ultra 18W LED A-line lamp in Spring 2012.
Additional findings of the survey include the result that 53% of consumers plan to switch to energy-efficient options such as CFLs, LEDs or halogen bulbs after January 1. Within the past year, 62% have changed or switched out a light bulb for energy-efficient reasons. Ninety percent of consumers consider brightness, bulb longevity and price when choosing a bulb purchase.


Interestingly, 33% of consumers said they will continue to use traditional bulbs but switch to a lower wattage, which is up 7% from 2010. The survey was conducted in October 2011 and included 300 respondents.