The Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) provides acquisition guidance for fluorescent ballasts, a product category covered by FEMP efficiency requirements. Federal laws and requirements mandate that agencies purchase ENERGY STAR-qualified products or FEMP-designated products in all product categories covered by these programs and in any acquisition actions that are not specifically exempted by law.

FEMP's acquisition guidance and efficiency requirements apply to instant start (IS) ballasts designed to operate 4-foot medium bipin (e.g., F32T8) or 8-foot slimline (e.g., F96T8) lamps, and programmed-start (PS) ballasts designed to operate 4-foot medium bipin, 4-foot standard output miniature bipin (e.g., F28T5), or 4-foot high-output miniature bipin (e.g., F54T5HO) lamps. All other ballast types are excluded.

This acquisition guidance was updated in June 2021.

Federal purchases must meet or exceed the minimum efficiency requirements in Table 1. These requirements are stated in ballast luminous efficiency (BLE), which is the ratio of total lamp arc power (TLAP) to ballast input power. A higher value indicates a more efficient product.

The ballast types in Table 1 can drive reduced-wattage lamps that save users additional energy. Product performance must be determined in accordance with the new "active mode test procedure for fluorescent ballasts" found in the Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR 430, Subpart B, Appendix Q1).

Federal buyers can find product information (e.g., model numbers and lamp efficiency) for fluorescent ballasts in the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Compliance Certification Database, which contains certification reports and compliance statements submitted by manufacturers for covered products and equipment subject to federal conservation standards. This database houses only certification records of current basic models that have been submitted within the past year, and is updated approximately every two weeks.

FEMP calculated that the required fluorescent ballast model saves money if priced no more than $9 (in 2021 dollars) above the less-efficient model. The best available model saves up to $14. Federal purchasers can assume products that meet FEMP-designated efficiency requirements are life cycle cost-effective. Table 2 compares three types of product purchases and calculates the lifetime cost savings of purchasing efficient models.

An efficient product is cost-effective when the lifetime energy savings (from avoided energy costs over the life of the product, discounted to present value) exceed the additional up-front cost (if any) compared to a less efficient option. FEMP considers up-front costs and lifetime energy savings when setting required efficiency levels. Federal purchasers can assume FEMP-designated products are life cycle cost-effective. In high-use applications or when energy rates are above the federal average, purchasers may save more if they specify products that exceed federal efficiency requirements (e.g., the best available model).

Products meeting ENERGY STAR or FEMP-designated efficiency requirements may not be life cycle cost-effective in certain low-use applications or in locations with very low rates for electricity or natural gas. However, for most applications, purchasers will find that energy-efficient products have the lowest life cycle cost.

Agencies may claim an exception to federal purchasing requirements through a written finding that no ENERGY STAR-qualified or FEMP-designated product is available to meet functional requirements, or that no such product is life cycle cost-effective for the specific application. Get additional information on federal product purchasing requirements.

These mandatory requirements apply to all forms of procurement, including construction guide and project specifications; renovation, repair, energy service, and operation and maintenance (O&M) contracts; lease agreements; acquisitions made using purchase cards; and solicitations for offers. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 23.206 requires agencies to insert the clause at FAR section 52.223-15 into contracts and solicitations that deliver, acquire, furnish, or specify energy-consuming products for use in federal government facilities. To comply with FAR requirements, FEMP recommends that agencies incorporate efficiency and energy performance requirements into both the technical specification and evaluation sections of solicitations.

Requirements to purchase energy-efficient products can sometimes be perceived as in conflict with other acquisition requirements, including Buy American, Small Business, or other set-asides. These requirements are not mutually exclusive. If you run into problems trying to meet multiple procurement requirements, please reach out to FEMP for assistance.

The federal supply sources for energy-efficient products are the General Services Administration (GSA) and the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). GSA sells products through its Multiple Awards Schedules program and online shopping network, GSA Advantage!. DLA offers products through the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia and online through FedMall (formerly DOD EMALL). Products sold through DLA are codified with 13-digit National Stock Numbers and, in some cases, a two-letter Environmental Attribute Code (ENAC). The ENAC identifies items that have positive environmental characteristics and meet standards set by an approved third party, such as FEMP.

The United Nations Standard Products and Services Code (UNSPSC) is a worldwide classification system for e‑commerce. It contains more than 50,000 commodities, including many used in the federal sector, each with a unique eight-digit, four-level identification code. Manufacturers and vendors are beginning to adopt the UNSPSC classification convention, and electronic procurement systems are beginning to include UNSPSC tracking in their software packages. UNSPSCs can help the federal acquisition community identify product categories covered by sustainable acquisition requirements, track purchases of products within those categories, and report on progress toward meeting sustainable acquisition goals. FEMP has developed a table of ENERGY STAR and FEMP-designated covered product categories and related UNSPSC codes.

GSA offers fluorescent lamps through the Multiple Award Schedule.

DLA offers fluorescent ballast models with the ENAC "GF" at the end of the NSN.

The UNSPSC for fluorescent ballasts is 39101901.

Instant-start ballasts typically use less energy than rapid- and programmed-start ballasts. However, because they do not preheat the electrodes prior to initiating the arc, they tend to shorten fluorescent lamp life. Instant-start ballasts are best used in applications where lights are switched on and left on for many hours at a time.

Rapid- and programmed-start ballasts heat the electrodes while initiating the arc, resulting in higher energy use and longer lamp life. Because rapid start ballasts continue to heat electrodes while the lamps are operating, they are the least-efficient ballast type and not covered by FEMP. Programmed-start ballasts, also known as programmed rapid start or modified rapid start, cut the heat off to the electrodes after the arc is initiated, reducing energy use. Programmed start ballasts are better suited to applications where the lights are frequently switched on and off.

While electronic dimming ballasts are exempt from these specifications, FEMP recommends that federal purchasers consider using dimming ballasts for appropriate applications. Dimming ballasts with well-designed lighting controls can save energy by moderating the timing and light output of lighting systems.

Fluorescent lamp ballasts should have a ballast factor between 0.85 and 1.05 in most applications to maximize light output, avoid reduced lamp life, and prevent unnecessary power consumption.

Total harmonic distortion (THD) measures the degree to which the current wave shape is distorted from a sinusoidal wave, expressed as a percentage. THD should be 20% or less to reduce interference with electronic equipment.

Current crest factor (CCF) is the ratio of the peak lamp current to the root mean squared, or average, lamp current. CCF should be 1.7 or less to avoid reducing lamp life.

Turning off lights in unoccupied spaces is the simplest way to save additional energy and costs. Occupancy sensors, timers, and other controls are available that turn lights off automatically. Remind staff to turn lights off when they leave their spaces for extended periods of time and at the end of the day.

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory provided supporting analysis for this acquisition guidance.