General Electric (GE) in February announced plans to ditch its CFL lighting business in favor of more energy efficient LED lighting options. The move may seem suprising but that is how fast lighting technology is changing.
LED lights still cost more up front, but in addition to being more energy efficient they last longer than CFLs and can be used in interesting “smart” lighting options. Some are programmable, dimmable, or can change colors with a smart phone app. GE is looking forward and predicts 50 percent of residential lighting will come from LED products by 2020. Regulation also plays a part in the decision. New Energy Star guidelines will make more changes to lighting options in 2017, and these regulations would be difficult to meet with CFL bulbs said GE.
