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As defined in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), “fluorescent lamp ballast” means a device that is used to start and operate fluorescent lamps by providing a starting voltage and current and limiting the current during normal operation. 10 CFR 430.2 Manufacturers have been required to comply with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) energy conservation standards for fluorescent lamp ballasts since 1990.
DOE has published a Federal Register notification of proposed determination (NOPD) pertaining to energy conservation standards for fluorescent lamp ballasts (FLBs). The Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) requires DOE to periodically review its existing standards to determine whether more-stringent standards would be technologically feasible and economically justified, and would result in significant energy savings. In this NOPD, DOE has initially determined that amended standards for FLBs would not be cost-effective, and therefore, DOE has tentatively determined that standards for FLBs should not be amended. DOE requests comment on this proposed determination and the associated analyses and results.
- DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this NOPD until June 1, 2026.
- Interested persons may submit comments identified by docket number EERE–2023–BT–STD–0005, by email (FLB2023STD0005@ ee.doe.gov), via the Federal eRulemaking portal (http://www.regulations.gov).
- DOE will hold a public meeting webinar on April 22, 2026 , from 1p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Click here to register for the webinar.
- Foreign Nationals interested in participating in this webinar, must be screened by DOE Headquarters Security prior to being granted access. Please email deborah.ogunshakin@ee.doe.gov to complete the necessary documentation at least two weeks prior to scheduled meeting date.
- Additional webinar registration information, participant instructions, and information about the capabilities available to webinar participants are published on DOE’s website: https://energy.gov/eere/buildings/public-meetings-and-comment-deadlines.
For the latest information on the planned timing of future DOE regulatory milestones, see the current Office of Management and Budget Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions. All planned dates are preliminary and subject to change.
Standards
Notification of Proposed Determination - Federal Register, 91FR15917 (March 31, 2026)
Request for Information - Federal Register, 88FR18086 (March 27, 2023)
Final Determination - Federal Register, 85FR81558 (December 16, 2020)
Notice of Proposed Determination - Federal Register, 84FR56540 (October 22, 2019)
DOE is currently undertaking a rulemaking to consider new energy conservation standards for florescent lamp ballasts.
The fluorescent lamp ballast energy conservation standard rulemaking dockets EERE-2015-BT-STD-0006 and EERE-2023-BT-STD-0005 contains all notices, public comments, public meeting transcripts, and supporting documents pertaining to this rulemaking.
Public Meeting Information
There is no public meeting scheduled at this time.
Submitting Public Comments
The comment period is closed.
Test Procedure
Final Rule - Federal Register, 85FR56475 (September 14, 2020)
Notice or Proposed Rule - Federal Register, 84FR9910 (March 18, 2019)
The fluorescent lamp ballast test procedure rulemaking docket EERE-2017-BT-TP-0005 contains all notices, public comments, public meeting transcripts, and supporting documents pertaining to this rulemaking.
Public Meeting Information
There is no public meeting scheduled at this time.
Submitting Public Comments
The comment period is closed.
Fluorescent lamp ballasts manufactured and distributed in commerce, as defined by 42 U.S.C. 6291(16), must meet the energy conservation standards specified in the Code of Federal Regulations at 10 CFR 430.32(m).
To determine that fluorescent lamp ballasts that are currently manufactured or distributed into commerce are in compliance with DOE standards, manufacturers must follow the test procedure methods specified at 10 CFR 430, Subpart B, Appendix Q.
Compliance
DOE has established regulations on certification, compliance, and enforcement in the CFR at 10 CFR Part 429. These regulations cover statistical sampling plans, certified ratings, certification reports, record retention, and enforcement. More information on these regulations is available here.
Waivers
For information on current test procedure waivers, see DOE’s Waivers webpage.
For information about obtaining test procedure waivers, see 10 CFR 430.27.
Exceptions
DOE's Office of Hearings and Appeals has not authorized exception relief for fluorescent lamp ballasts.
For information about obtaining exception relief, see 10 CFR part 1003.
Guidance and Frequently Asked Questions
For information on further guidance and answers to Frequently Asked Questions on all covered products, see DOE’s Further Guidance database.
State Exemptions to Federal Pre-emption
DOE has not exempted any state from this energy conservation standard. States may petition DOE to exempt a state regulation from preemption by the federal energy conservation standard. States may also petition DOE to withdraw such exemptions. For details, see 10 CFR part 430, subpart D.
Small Business Exemptions
Any manufacturer of a covered product with annual gross revenues that do not exceed $8,000,000 from all its operations and meets certain other conditions may apply for an exemption to the energy conservation standard. For details, see 10 CFR part 430, subpart E.
ENERGY STAR®
Find tips and guidance for making your home, workplace, or vehicle more energy efficient visit EnergySavers.gov.
DOE supports the testing and verification of ENERGY STAR® products in close collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency.
For more information related to this product, please email:
ApplianceStandardsQuestions@ee.doe.gov